Description

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Context :

Recently, A rare caracal has been spotted in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan currently has 5 tiger reserves: Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills, Ramgarh Vishdhari, and Dholpur-Karauli

About the Caracal

Scientific Name: Caracal caracal
Common Name: Siya Gosh (it means black ear in Persian)
Type: Medium sized nocturnal wildcat

Distribution & Habitat

Regions:
- Middle East, Africa, South Asia
- In India, caracals are found in Rajasthan &
  - Their estimated population is 50 individuals.
- Habitat:
  - Rocky hills, grasslands, savannas, scrublands, & forests
  - Caracals are adaptable. They can live in many types of environments.

Physical Features

Size & Weight:
- Length: 1 m.
- Weight: 8-18 kg (males are usually larger than females)
Fur:
- Tawny brown to reddish tan with whitish underparts
- Short & dense fur
Distinct Features:
- They have Large black pointed ears
- They have also dark lines & white spots around the eyes
- Slender bodies & long legs ( largest of African small cats)

Unique Abilities

They are known for their exceptional ability. They can leap up to 2 m. in the air to capture birds.
They Can reach speeds of 80 kph.
They mostly live in small herds though they are shy and elusive. That's why it is hard to spot in the wild.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Wildlife Protection:
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Source: NDTV

Practice Question

Q. Which of the following statements about the caracal is/are correct?

The caracal is primarily found in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, including Rajasthan and Gujarat in India.
Caracals have a tawny-brown to reddish-tan fur with white underparts and are known for their ability to leap up to 2 meters in the air.
The caracal is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The caracal is a nocturnal animal. And their is only preference for living in forests and mountainous regions.

Choose the correct Options:
(A) 1, 2, and 3 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

● Statement 1 is correct. The caracal is found in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, including regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat in India.

● Statement 2 is correct. The caracal has a tawny-brown to reddish-tan fur with white underparts and is known for its exceptional ability to leap up to 2 meters in the air to catch birds.

● Statement 3 is incorrect. The caracal is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered.

● Statement 4 is incorrect. While caracals are nocturnal, they are adaptable and can live in various habitats, including rocky hills, grasslands, and savannas, not just forests and mountainous regions.

Thus, the correct answer is (B).