Barmer/Jaisalmer, May 6 -- A rare and elusive wild cat is shaping an unusual conservation strategy in Rajasthan's desert, where authorities are attempting to reduce human-wildlife conflict while protecting both livelihoods and biodiversity. In Jaisalmer, the forest department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), is planning to establish a "goat bank" to safeguard the endangered Caracal and ease tensions with local communities. The proposal has gained urgency after a recent incident in which a caracal was found half-buried in the region, raising concerns about possible retaliatory killing and the fragile balance between humans and wildlife in the Thar desert. Caracals, known for their stealth and agility, often prey on small livestock such as goats and sheep, leading to direct economic losses for pastoralists. These losses have triggered resentment among locals and, in some cases, attempts to harm the predator. To address this, the proposed goat bank system seeks to offset such losses. If a goat or sheep is killed by a caracal, the forest department will compensate the owner either financially or by providing replacement animals. Officials say the aim is to remove the economic burden on communities and reduce the likelihood of revenge killings. Divisional forest officer Shubham Kumar said the initiative focuses on coexistence. "Our aim is to minimise conflict between humans and the caracal," he said. According to experts, the initiative could offer a model for balancing conservation goals with human needs....