Burnt caracal carcass found near India-Pak border: What is this endangered species?

In India, the caracal is considered highly threatened due to a combination of human-driven pressures and ecological challenges.

In Short

• Samples have been sent for genetic analysis to the Wildlife Institute of India
• In India, the Caracal is considered highly threatened
• Caracals have a sleek reddish-brown coat, strong hind legs, and excellent hearing

A shocking case of wildlife crime has emerged from Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, where a rare and endangered caracal was allegedly hunted and its carcass burned in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The incident took place in the Bachhiyachhod area of the border region of Shahgarh, close to the India-Pakistan international boundary.

The matter came to light after a video showing the dead animal went viral on social media on Sunday, prompting swift action by the Forest Department. A joint operation was launched with Shahgarh police, leading to the identification and arrest of three accused by Monday evening. Authorities have also seized a tractor believed to have been used in the crime.

According to forest officials, the partially burnt carcass of the caracal was recovered during a search operation conducted nearly 3 kilometers from the international border. Despite attempts by the accused to destroy evidence by setting the body on fire, officials managed to collect crucial biological samples from the remains.

WHAT IS CARACAL?

The Caracal is a medium-sized wild cat known for its striking appearance, especially its long, black-tufted ears. Often called the desert lynx, it is an agile predator capable of leaping several feet into the air to catch birds mid-flight.

Caracals have a sleek reddish-brown coat, strong hind legs, and excellent hearing, making them highly efficient hunters. They are solitary and mostly nocturnal animals.

They are extremely rare in India and mainly found in:

• Western Rajasthan (especially the Thar Desert)
• Parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh (historically)

WHY IS CARACAL ENDANGERED IN INDIA?

In India, the Caracal is considered highly threatened due to a combination of human-driven pressures and ecological challenges.

Its primary habitat, grasslands and scrub forests, is rapidly shrinking as these areas are often misclassified as “wastelands” and diverted for agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.

This loss of habitat is compounded by fragmentation caused by roads, fencing, and border developments, particularly in regions like the Thar Desert.

WHAT HAPPENED IN JAISALMER?

Senior officials confirmed that a post-mortem examination was conducted by a medical board following due legal procedures. The remains were later disposed of as per protocol, while samples have been sent for genetic analysis to the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun.

Experts say the genetic analysis will not only help confirm the identity of the animal but also contribute to building a much-needed genetic database for the elusive caracal population in India. The species is considered rare and remains poorly studied, particularly in the Thar desert region.

Forest officials highlighted that the collected samples could provide key insights into the genetic diversity, population structure, and movement patterns of caracals in western India.

This could help answer critical questions about whether the Thar population is genetically distinct, whether it faces inbreeding risks, and if its numbers have declined over time.

The arrested individuals have been identified as local residents, and further interrogation is underway. Authorities have registered a case under relevant wildlife protection laws and assured strict action.

- Ends