Cholistan Cat: A Call for Conservation

Despite their resilience, Cholistan and Tharparkar face mounting threats like Habitat Degradation, Climate Extremes and Human-Wildlife Conflict

Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo

An extraordinary wildlife sighting has taken place in the Cholistan Desert near Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, where a rare caracal (Caracal caracal) was spotted and recorded for the first time in the region. Renowned for its distinctive tufted ears and remarkable leaping abilities, this elusive wild cat was observed by Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Mujahid Kalim early one morning, stealthily prowling near a group of Indian gazelles (Chinkara), which are likely its prey.

The caracal, a predator native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, is known for its agility and elegance. Capable of leaping up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) to catch birds mid-flight, it features a sleek, sandy coat and long legs. Its presence in Cholistan indicates a positive shift in the desert’s ecological balance, aided by recent rains that revitalized over 1,100 natural ponds and boosted biodiversity.

A Glimpse into Cholistan’s Wildlife

Locally called Rohi, the Cholistan Desert forms part of the Greater Thar Desert, spanning southern Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan, and extending into Rajasthan, India. Covering approximately 25,800 km², it endures searing summer temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F) and frigid winter nights.

Beyond the caracal, Cholistan supports a spectrum of wildlife adapted to arid extremes, including:

• Indian Gazelle (Chinkara): These antelopes can endure long periods without water, relying on plant moisture.
• Desert Fox: Small carnivores adept at hunting rodents and other prey.
• Striped Hyena: Vital scavengers maintaining ecological balance.
• Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard: Herbivorous reptiles that thrive despite water scarcity.

The desert’s resilient flora, such as Acacia, Prosopis, Tamarix, and Zizyphus, plays a crucial role in sustaining its ecosystem.

Tharparkar: A Desert of Distinction

Nearby Tharparkar, located in Sindh province, offers a similarly diverse habitat, home to species like:

• Desert Cat: A rare feline adapted to nocturnal life.
• Indian Wild Ass: Hardy equines with remarkable endurance.
• Great Indian Bustard: Critically endangered, these ground-dwelling birds symbolize conservation challenges.
• Blackbuck: Antelopes with striking spiral horns.
• Indian Fox: Agile canids known for their adaptability.

In both deserts, wildlife has evolved extraordinary survival mechanisms, from obtaining water through plants to avoiding daytime heat.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Despite their resilience, Cholistan and Tharparkar face mounting threats:

1. Habitat Degradation: Overgrazing disrupts soil and vegetation.
2. Climate Extremes: Rising temperatures intensify desertification.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroaching settlements pressure wildlife habitats.

To combat these issues, conservationists are implementing measures such as improved land-use zoning, anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and community engagement initiatives. The sighting of the caracal has galvanized plans to expand monitoring programs in Cholistan, reinforcing its ecological significance.

As Ranger Mujahid Kalim aptly remarked, “This desert hides more secrets than we know. And it’s our job to ensure those secrets endure for future generations.”

A Fragile Haven of Biodiversity

The Cholistan and Tharparkar deserts, though harsh and inhospitable, are teeming with life. The rare appearance of a predator like the caracal underscores the importance of preserving these ecosystems, serving as both a testament to conservation efforts and a reminder of their fragility.

Tharparkar is renowned for its unique biodiversity. During my time as a student at the University of Karachi, I was fascinated to learn about the duck-billed platypus, an extraordinary mammal distinguished by its remarkable characteristics, including being one of the few oviparous mammals—meaning it lays eggs instead of giving live birth. While this semiaquatic creature is native to eastern Australia and Tasmania, the idea of its existence in an environment like the Thar Desert would represent an extraordinary phenomenon and an unparalleled ecological record. The arid conditions of the Thar stand in stark contrast to the platypus’s typical freshwater habitats, making the notion of its adaptation to such an environment scientifically intriguing. This scenario would necessitate a re-evaluation of its physiological and behavioral adaptations, potentially revealing unknown resilience in this already remarkable species. However, there are no documented cases of a platypus inhabiting the Thar Desert, and this notion remains purely hypothetical, but it is a hard fact.

Read: Save The Dying Indus Delta

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Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is a retired professor, ex: chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, ex-advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor, SAU Tandojam. Email: Email: abdullaharijo@gmail.com