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India.com
20-07-2025
- General
- India.com
Melanistic Panther: ‘Bagheera' And Two Leopards Spotted Together In Nilgiris
New Delhi: A rare and captivating sighting of a black panther strolling alongside two normally coloured leopards has thrilled wildlife enthusiasts and forest officials in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu. The footage, shared by retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda on X (formerly Twitter), shows the melanistic leopard, commonly known as a black panther, walking in harmony with its two-spotted companions along a lush road in the Nilgiri hills. Nanda captioned the video, 'Bagheera, the black panther, with its two normal coloured cubs on the roads of Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu. Rare sight.' Bagheera- the black panther- with its two normal coloured cubs on the roads of Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu. Rare sight. — Susanta Nanda IFS (Retd) (@susantananda3) July 17, 2025 In the video, the striking contrast between the panther's deep black coat and the typical spotted coats of the other two leopards is visible. Such close companionship between melanistic and non-melanistic leopards is uncommon, making this encounter particularly remarkable. The footage, believed to have been recorded around midnight on July 16, quickly went viral as several social media pages reshared the extraordinary moment. Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan clarified that black panthers are not a separate species but rather a melanistic variant of the common leopard (Panthera pardus). Melanism is a genetic condition causing excess dark pigmentation, which gives the animal its black appearance. Interestingly, under certain lighting, the distinctive leopard rosettes can still be seen on their dark coats. Kaswan emphasized the importance of conservation efforts for these elusive animals, whose survival is threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Black panthers primarily inhabit tropical forests in states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and parts of Northeast India. The Nilgiris, part of the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and a UNESCO World Heritage site, have recorded melanistic leopards before through camera traps, but live sightings remain rare. This recent sighting adds valuable insight into the behavior and presence of these elusive cats in the region.
Bahrain News Gazette
12-02-2025
- General
- Bahrain News Gazette
International Day of Arabian Leopard Highlights Conservation Efforts in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: The Arabian leopard, recognised globally in June 2023 by the UN General Assembly declaring February 10 as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, is a symbol of biodiversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a vital component of the Arabian Peninsula's ecosystem. Originating in Africa around 500,000 years ago, this subspecies of leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is one of the smallest, with males weighing between 30 and 40 kg and females between 25 and 35 kg. Its pale orange fur is marked with small, spaced rosettes. According to Bahrain News Agency, the Arabian leopard faces significant threats, including habitat loss, prey scarcity, attacks by herders, and illegal wildlife trade. Populations have dwindled in Oman, Yemen, and the Kingdom, with less than 200 Arabian leopards estimated to remain in the Arabian Peninsula. This critical endangerment necessitates concerted conservation efforts. The Kingdom, represented by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is leading the charge. RCU strives to create a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and human communities through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. This includes adopting regional initiatives to protect the Arabian leopard, restore its natural environment, and conserve its population. RCU's conservation efforts include the 'Leap of Hope' campaign, which invites global participation in protecting the species. The Arabian Leopard Program focuses on habitat restoration and public awareness initiatives. RCU's Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center, accredited by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), has doubled its leopard population to 32. The commission's Arabian Leopard Fund seeks to protect the species from extinction. By galvanizing society, decision-makers, and the global community, the fund aims to improve the condition of this fragile ecosystem.
