The Caracal is a rare and elusive wild cat native to Pakistan’s arid regions. Recognizable by its reddish-gold coat and long black ear tufts, it is adapted to survive in harsh environments. Once more widespread, its numbers have dwindled due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Caracals are considered low-risk animals when it comes to conservation status, but in Pakistan, they are categorized as new threatened species.

Habitat & Lifestyle
Caracals inhabit dry savannas, woodlands, scrublands, semi-deserts, and mountainous regions. They prefer areas with low rainfall and sufficient cover. Primarily nocturnal and solitary, they are agile hunters, capable of leaping up to 4 meters to catch birds in flight. Their diet includes birds, rodents, hares, and small antelopes. They can survive without direct water sources, obtaining moisture from their prey.

Area Found

In Pakistan, Caracals are found in fragmented populations across:

• Cholistan Desert (Punjab)

• Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park (Balochistan)

• Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary (Sindh)

Recent sightings in the Cholistan Desert highlight the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.