Black Panther Spotted for First Time in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Camera Trap Captures Rare Sighting
Pune, 24th April 2026: In a significant wildlife development, a melanistic leopard, commonly known as a black panther, has been recorded for the first time in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The rare sighting was captured through a camera trap in Chandoli National Park on April 20.
According to forest officials, the images were retrieved on April 22 when staff visited the site to inspect camera traps. A total of three photographs of the black leopard were captured on April 20 and 21 across different beats within the park, confirming its presence in the reserve.
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, established on January 5, 2010, comprises Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over 1,165.57 sq km, the reserve is home to several rare and endangered mammal species. However, this is the first recorded instance of a melanistic leopard in the area.
A black panther is not a separate species but a melanistic variant of the leopard, characterised by an increased presence of melanin pigment, which causes the animal’s coat to appear dark. Despite the darker coloration, the typical rosette patterns are often still visible under certain lighting conditions.
Melanism is a genetic trait and not a disease. Conversely, a condition known as leucism, caused by reduced pigmentation, can result in lighter or even white individuals. The term “black panther” is broadly used to describe melanistic big cats, including leopards in India and Africa, and jaguars in South America. In India, since jaguars are not found, the term refers specifically to melanistic leopards.
