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An international team of researchers has recorded a historic discovery in Turkmenistan’s wildlife. Camera traps installed within the framework of a joint project between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Turkmen organization Team Bars Turkmenistan have captured the first ever caracal kitten in the Garabogazgol basin.
This discovery is of particular importance for several reasons. Firstly, it confirms the successful reproduction of caracals in Turkmenistan, which indicates favorable conditions for this rare species. Secondly, the place of discovery became the northernmost point of registration of caracals in the country.
The caracal, known for its distinctive ear tufts, is considered one of the most secretive members of the cat family. The species is extremely rare in Central Asia, and its population status has long been a mystery to scientists. The caracal plays an important role in the ecosystem, hunting small mammals and birds, making it an indicator of the region's ecological well-being.
The monitoring project, launched in mid-2024, covers key areas including the Kaplankyr Nature Reserve on the border with Uzbekistan and the rocky areas of the Ustyurt Plateau.