JAISALMER: The Border Security Force (BSF), which guards India’s international borders, will now play a significant role in the conservation of the highly endangered Schedule I wild animal, the Caracal, in the border areas of Jaisalmer in collaboration with the Rajasthan Forest Department.The joint initiative aims to create a favourable environment for the conservation of the elusive desert cat, strengthen the participation of local communities, and safeguard the unique biodiversity of the Thar Desert.A high-level team comprising Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dr. Govind Sagar Bhardwaj, Divisional Chief Conservator of Forests, Jodhpur, Anup K.R., Deputy Conservator of Forests (IGNP Stage-II, Jaisalmer) Devendra Singh Bhati, and Assistant Conservator of Forests Ranjeet Singh Dholia visited the border villages and Border Out Posts (BOPs) at Dhanana, Murar, Navtala, Ghotaru and Moomal along the India-Pakistan International Border.During the visit, the officials conducted a field assessment of potential and historical Caracal habitats, examined ecologically important sites, and held discussions with BSF officers and personnel on future conservation strategies.Deputy Conservator of Forests Devendra Singh Bhati said that the Forest Department and the BSF are jointly working to create a conducive environment for Caracal conservation in the border region while encouraging greater participation of local communities in protecting the species and preserving the fragile desert ecosystem.Officers and personnel of the BSF stationed at Murar and Moomal Border Out Posts expressed their commitment to supporting conservation efforts. The BSF assured the Forest Department that it would assist in collecting information on Caracal sightings and strengthen coordination for monitoring and conservation activities in the border areas.As part of the awareness campaign, BSF will display Caracal conservation posters at all Border Out Posts near Tanot, Babooliyan, Longewala, Kishangarh and Ghotaru to educate troops and local residents about the importance of protecting the species.During the field visit, scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India, including Sashirth Vatsal and his team, conducted an extensive survey of the border landscape, natural habitats and biodiversity-rich sites, and discussed long-term conservation strategies for the Caracal.The primary objective of the visit was to assess the species’ historical and potential habitats and to prioritise the conservation of the Caracal—also known locally as Syahgosh—one of the rarest and most elusive predators of the Thar Desert. Officials emphasised that the Caracal is an important predator in the desert ecosystem and serves as an indicator of a healthy and balanced biodiversity. They stressed that habitat protection, human-wildlife coexistence and continuous monitoring are essential for its long-term survival.Bhati said the team also interacted with local residents and highlighted the importance of community participation in conserving the rare species. He noted that sustained awareness campaigns and local support would play a decisive role in ensuring the Caracal’s survival in the region.Officials further pointed out that the border desert ecosystem also supports several important bird species, including the Sindh Sparrow, Roller, Steppe Eagle and various vulture species. The Forest Department is simultaneously focusing on protecting these birds and their habitats to maintain the ecological balance and long-term sustainability of the Thar Desert.
