Barmer, March 6 -- A detailed scientific survey by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has confirmed the presence of the elusive caracal in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, marking an important milestone for wildlife research and conservation in Rajasthan. Through systematic camera trapping, sign surveys and advanced genetic analysis, researchers have gathered both photographic and molecular evidence of the rare wild cat in the reserve's landscape, strengthening hopes for its long-term survival in the state. As per the WII's latest annual report published in February, the project was initiated to assess the population status of caracals in potential habitats of Rajasthan and to develop a long-term monitoring protocol for the species and its habitat. After an extensive literature review on the biology and historical distribution of the species in India, intensive study areas were identified within Ranthambore based on data from the All-India Tiger Estimation 2018 and 2022. Initial fieldwork in June-July 2023 involved deploying 69 camera traps and surveying 14 trails covering approximately 30 km. This phase generated 37,241 images over 1,186 trap nights. Although no caracal was photo-captured at that stage, 23 other species were recorded, including small cats such as the Jungle Cat and the Rusty-spotted Cat. Eighteen potential small cat scat samples were collected, as caracal scats cannot be visually distinguished from those of other species. Genetic analysis later confirmed one of these samples as caracal (Caracal caracal), providing the first molecular evidence from the survey. The study was expanded between October 2023 and March 2024 across Divisions I and II of Ranthambore, with 92 camera traps deployed. Preliminary analysis has revealed 10 confirmed photo captures of caracals from the study area. DNA extraction has been completed for 578 samples, and sequencing has identified several associated species including the Golden Jackal, Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena and Nilgai. Further amplification and individual genotyping are underway to strengthen monitoring efforts. The confirmation of caracal presence in Ranthambore comes alongside encouraging developments from western Rajasthan. In western Rajasthan, the elusive Caracal, often called the "desert's small cheetah" due to its remarkable agility and ability to hunt birds mid-air, has been brought under scientific monitoring in Jaisalmer district. Following confirmed sightings in the Ramgarh border area, a male caracal was captured in Ghotaru village under Shahgarh gram panchayat by a joint team of the Forest Department and experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The animal was medically examined, fitted with a satellite-based radio collar, and safely released back into its natural habitat, ensuring minimal stress. Locally known as Siyagosh, it is extremely shy and rarely seen in the wild....