Gujarat government has announced the establishment of a Caracal (Henotaro) Breeding and Conservation Center in the Chadva Rakhal region of Kutch.
- This center will focus on the protection and breeding of the rare and critically endangered Caracal, which is found in Gujarat’s Kutch district.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Caracals as a species of ‘least concern’ due to their large numbers in Africa, however, their population in India is significantly lower.
- The animal is one of more than 30 species of small wild cats.
- According to a study Historical and Current Extent of Occurrence of the Caracal in India, 19 sightings have been reported in Gujarat, all within the Kutch district, and nine of these were authenticated by photographs.
- In India, Caracals face habitat loss and are listed as critically endangered under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Act.
- Caracals are nocturnal animals known for their agility, hunting skills, and characteristic ear tufts.
- They inhabit dry, arid regions and moist woodlands, living in small herds. Their shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.
