Open AccessRediscovery of Caracal Caracal caracal (Schreber, 1776) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
Author(s) -
Robert Gubiani,
Rashed Al Zaabi,
Justin Chuven,
Pritpal S. Soorae
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of threatened taxa
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.264
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 0974-7907
pISSN - 0974-7893
DOI - 10.11609/jott.5856.12.16.17194-17202
Subject(s) - abu dhabi , foraging , nocturnal , geography , habitat , ecology , mammal , zoology , biology , archaeology , metropolitan area
We present evidence confirming the presence of Caracal Caracal caracal in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Camera trap deployment into areas likely to harbour elusive species revealed the presence of at least one male individual with 37 records in 683 camera trap days over a seven-month period. These records represent the first confirmed presence of Caracal in Abu Dhabi Emirate since 1965. Both diurnal and nocturnal records highlighted varied activity patterns of this generally elusive species. Foraging activity occurred primarily during low luminosity levels associated with the new moon. The evidence obtained proves the presence of Arabian Caracal in a location long suspected of providing suitable habitat for this species.