Rare Wild Cat Released Back Into Desert After Landmark Conservation Operation
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan:In a major conservation milestone, an endangered caracal was successfully rescued in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district and fitted with a radio collar for the first time in India. The male wild cat was later released back into the desert, enabling wildlife experts to monitor its movements and behaviour in real time.
The operation was carried out in Ghotaru village of Shahgarh Gram Panchayat, located near the India-Pakistan border, by a joint team of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Rajasthan Forest Department.
Caracal Rescue Operation in Jaisalmer Near India-Pakistan Border
Villagers Alert Forest Officials About Trapped Wild Cat
Forest officials said they had received multiple reports of caracal sightings over the last three months from Shahgarh Bulge, Longewala, and Kishangarh regions. On January 23, villagers reported a caracal trapped in the Ghotaru area.
The animal was found caught in a snare believed to have been placed by poachers, prompting an urgent rescue mission by the forest department.
Health Check Conducted Before Release Into Wild
Caracal Found Healthy After Two Days of Observation
After rescue, the caracal was tranquilised and kept under veterinary observation for two days. Experts monitored vital health indicators such as blood pressure, haemoglobin levels, and heart rate. Officials confirmed that the animal was completely healthy.
On the night of January 25, the caracal was radio-collared and released back into its natural habitat, considered its home range.
Radio Collar to Help Study Rare Caracal Species in India
First Scientific Monitoring Project for Caracal Launched
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Jodhpur Anoop KR said the radio collar will help scientists track the elusive wild cat, which is nocturnal and rarely seen in the wild.
“Caracals are extremely shy and difficult to monitor. Apart from camera trap sightings, there is no reliable way to count them. This project will help us collect crucial ecological data,” he said.
Since its release, the animal has been continuously monitored and is roaming freely within its home territory, which is considered a positive sign.
Rajasthan Forest Minister Confirms Conservation Breakthrough
Government Calls Operation a Major Wildlife Milestone
Rajasthan’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Sanjay Sharma confirmed the rescue and radio-collaring operation on social media platform X, calling it an important step in wildlife conservation.
Why This Caracal Rescue Is Important for India
Data Will Help Protect Endangered Wild Cats
The radio-collaring project will provide critical data on the caracal’s habitat, movement patterns, and survival challenges, helping conservationists develop better protection strategies for this rare species in India.
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