A rare Caracal (wild cat) has been spotted in Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district after several decades.
Photographs of the elusive feline were recently captured during a camera-trap survey, indicating its return to the forest landscape.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has expressed happiness over the sighting of the rare cat.
Dr Yadav shared photographs of the Caracal on World Environment Day, observed on 5 June.
He noted that World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the importance of ecological balance and nature conservation. He said that the return of the Caracal is not only evidence of the rich biodiversity of the Kuno region but also reflects the positive outcomes of the State Government’s wildlife conservation efforts in the National Park.
Dr Yadav stated that the implementation of the ambitious Project Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new dimension to wildlife conservation in the state. He noted that the project’s objective extends beyond the reintroduction of cheetahs and focuses on strengthening the entire ecosystem.
The Chief Minister said the initiative also aims to conserve forest ecosystems, increase the population of rare wildlife species, and develop safe and sustainable habitats through innovative conservation measures.
Dr Yadav added that Kuno National Park is emerging as a successful model of wildlife conservation and has earned national and international recognition for the successful implementation of Project Cheetah.