Rajasthan Launches “Project Caracal” to Safeguard Rare Wild Cat Species
State-Level Workshop at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Brings Experts Together for Strategic Conservation Action
ananya
Ananya soch: In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, the Rajasthan Forest Department officially launched “Project Caracal” during a state-level workshop held at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The workshop focused on the conservation of the elusive Asian caracal and witnessed participation from wildlife experts, senior forest officials, researchers, and conservation stakeholders from across the state.
Prominent attendees included Dr. G. S. Bhardwaj, Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, along with K. C. A. Arun Prasad and key members of the State Wildlife Board. Renowned experts such as Dr. Shomita Mukherjee, Dr. Ayan Sadhu, Dr. Dharmendra Khandal, and Balendu Singh also shared valuable insights.
The workshop highlighted the urgent need to protect the Asian caracal, a rare and lesser-seen wild cat species facing population decline due to habitat degradation, fragmentation, and reduced prey availability. Experts emphasized the importance of coordinated conservation efforts to ensure its survival.
Detailed discussions covered the species’ current distribution, habitat, ecology, population trends, and key challenges. Under Project Caracal, priority areas include scientific population assessment, identification and protection of critical habitats, strengthening monitoring and research frameworks, and promoting active participation of local communities.
Special focus was given to evaluating caracal presence in key landscapes such as Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve, along with Ranthambore, to design effective conservation strategies and robust monitoring systems.
The project is being led by Dr. Shomita Mukherjee as Principal Investigator, with Dr. Ayan Sadhu and Dr. Dharmendra Khandal as Co-Principal Investigators. Initiated by the Rajasthan Forest Department in collaboration with Wildlife Institute of India, SACON, and Tiger Watch, the initiative marks a crucial move towards strengthening biodiversity conservation in the state.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks extended to all distinguished guests and participants.
