A rare black panther was recently spotted inside the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, creating excitement among wildlife researchers and conservationists.

A Rare Wildlife Moment in a Biodiversity Hotspot

• The remarkable image was captured by Tapa Peo, Beat Guard, and Krishna Lamgu of the Special Tiger Protection Force during a routine patrol. 
• This sighting highlights the ecological richness of one of India’s most pristine forest landscapes.

Why the Sighting Matters

• The black panther is a melanistic variant of the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca).
• Melanism is a genetic condition causing excess black pigmentation and is extremely rare in the wild, making such sightings scientifically valuable.
• The presence of top predators indicates a healthy prey base, balanced ecosystem, and effective protection measures.

A Boost to Conservation Efforts in Arunachal Pradesh

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, while sharing the photograph, called it a “powerful reminder of Arunachal’s thriving biodiversity”. The State’s dense forests, minimal human disturbance, and traditional community stewardship contribute to its status as a global biodiversity hotspot.

The sighting reaffirms:

• The success of anti-poaching patrols,
• The effectiveness of the Special Tiger Protection Force,
• The high-quality habitat within the Pakke Tiger Reserve, a key protected area under India’s Project Tiger.

It is not a separate species, but a genetic variation caused by excess melanin pigmentation.

Habitat

• Black panthers share the same habitat as Indian leopards:
  • Tropical evergreen forests
  • Moist deciduous forests
  • Montane forests
  • Grasslands and scrublands
• Prefer dense canopy and low-light environments, which help their dark coat blend with surroundings.
• In Arunachal Pradesh, they thrive in thick, undisturbed forest landscapes with healthy prey availability.

Where Are They Generally Found? (Distribution in India)

• Black panthers are extremely rare, but have been recorded in:
  • Western Ghats
  • Kabini (Nagarhole Tiger Reserve)
  • Biligiri Ranga Hills
  • Dandeli–Anshi landscape
  • Eastern Ghats
  • Northeast India
  • Pakke Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh)
  • Manas & Nameri (Assam)
  • Central India
  • Satpura, Pench & Tadoba
  • Southern India
  • Wayanad, Bandipur
  • Kerala–Karnataka forest complexes
• Global distribution includes Africa and Southeast Asia wherever melanistic leopards occur, but India has one of the highest numbers of confirmed sightings.

Threats

• Black panthers face the same threats as leopards—often amplified due to their rarity:
  • Habitat loss due to deforestation and development projects.
  • Fragmentation of forests reduces prey availability.
  • Poaching for skin and body parts.
  • Human–wildlife conflict, especially in fringe villages.
  • Decline in prey population, leading to competition.
  • Genetic bottlenecks due to low numbers in isolated habitats.

Conservation Status

• Leopard (Panthera pardus): Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
• Listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (maximum protection)
• Included in CITES Appendix I (strictest trade regulation)
• Protected under Project Tiger landscapes and centrally sponsored Project Leopard initiatives.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. With reference to melanistic leopards (black panthers), consider the following statements:

1. They belong to the same species as the Indian leopard.
2. Melanism occurs due to a recessive genetic mutation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)