Caracal Cat – UPSC Prelims

  • The caracal wild cat (Caracal caracal) is a rare species in India. They are slender, medium-sized cats with long powerful legs and tufted ears.
  • The black tufted ears of this cat are one of its most distinguishing features.
  • It is shy, nocturnal, elusive and difficult to spot in the wild.
  • Habitat: In India, presence of these Cats has been reported from only three states which are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
    • In Madhya Pradesh it is locally called as Shea-gosh or siyah-gush.
    • In Gujarat, Caracals are locally referred to as Hornotro which means killer of a Blackbuck.
    • In Rajasthan it is known as Junglee Bilao or Wildcat.
  • Threats: Caracals are mostly killed for livestock predation however in some areas of the world it is hunted for its meat and flesh.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top