Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

• 25 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

Caracal, a medium-sized and locally threatened cat, was seen for the first time in Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan . 

 

Key Points 

• About Caracal: 
  • Scientific Name: Caracal Caracal Schmitzi 
  • The caracal is a nocturnal cat species found in  Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia . 
  • It is identified by its long, pointed and black tufted ears . Its name is derived from the Turkish word 'karakulak' , which means black ears . 
  • It is an extremely agile predator , known for its fast speed and long jumping ability . Its main diet is small hoofed animals and rodents . 
• Historical Importance: 
  • The caracal has been an important part of Indian wildlife . It is mentioned in historical texts such as Khamsa-i-Nizami and Shahnama , indicating its usefulness in hunting. It was once found in various biological provinces across 13 states of India . 
• Distribution: 
  • They are found mostly in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and are located in Kutch, the Malwa Plateau, the Aravalli hill range. 
  • Besides India, the caracal is found in several dozen countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia. 
• Habitats: 
  • It occurs in semi-deserts, steppes, savannah, scrubland, dry forest and moist woodland or evergreen forest. 
  • It prefers open terrain and drier, scrubby, arid habitats and needs cover. 
• Declination in numbers: 
  • The number of Caracal in India has reduced to less than 50 . 
  • Between 2001 and 2020, their population has declined by more than 95%. 
  • Their staple food has become scarce due to habitat loss and urbanization . 
• Conservation status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern 
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I 
  • CITES: Appendix I 
  • In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change classified the caracal as a critically endangered species. 

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve 

• It is located in the Hadauti region of Rajasthan, spread over an area of 759 square kilometres across four districts of Rajasthan – Kota, Bundi, Chittaurgarh and Jhalawar. 
  • It consists of a core area of 417 square kilometres and a buffer zone of 342 square kilometres. 
• It was declared a protected area in 1955. The trees in the forest here are very thick and dense. 
• This tiger reserve is surrounded by four rivers Ramzan, Aahu, Kali and Chambal and is situated between two parallel hills Mukundra and Gagrola . It falls under the drainage area of the tributaries of Chambal river. 
• Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is the third largest tiger reserve in Rajasthan after Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserves. 
• The Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority , declared it a Tiger Reserve in the year 2013 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 .