Caracal

Turkmenistan is a nature hotspot in the Central Asian heartlands. The country’s vast and unique landscapes are home to an immense variety of iconic and rare animals, many of which are highly elusive and little known. Amongst the most mysterious are several species of small cats, including the caracal. 

The caracal (Caracal caracal), also known as ‘lynx of the desert’, inhabits Turkmenistan’s semi-arid landscapes. These cats’ slender bodies and long legs make them excellent jumpers, leaping high in the air to catch prey, and stiff hairs between their toepads allow them to travel over hot sand. With brown to red coat colouration and distinctive black ear tufts, they are striking looking felines.

Unfortunately, similarly to most small cats globally, caracals are poorly studied and receive little conservation attention. Their secretive nature and the remoteness of their habitat also make them difficult to research. In Central Asia, including Turkmenistan, they are considered rare, and their status is largely unknown. The main threats they face here are habitat loss, hunting, dog depredation and vehicle collisions. In 2024, RZSS partnered with a group of  Turkmen conservationists to support conservation efforts for small cats, including the caracal. Team Bars Turkmenistan of Conservation X Labs (TBT) are a leading group in the country, collecting invaluable data about this little-known felid. They have already gained some incredible insights into the lives of caracals throughout the country. 

To date, the team has captured several individuals on camera traps, some in places never seen before; their records from Garabogazköl basin are the furthest north in the country. Reproduction was also confirmed with videos of an adorable kitten, emphasising the importance of protecting these habitats. With the support of RZSS, the work of TBT on studying and protecting these cats is only just beginning.