Bhubaneswar, Jan 3: A rare melanistic leopard, often referred to as a "black panther," along with its cub, has been spotted in the forests of Odisha's Nayagarh district. The remarkable sighting was captured through a camera trap installed in the area, providing a rare glimpse into the life of these elusive creatures.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, shared the news on his X handle on Friday, stating, “A rare melanistic leopard with cub has been sighted in central Odisha, reflecting the region’s incredible biodiversity. These elusive ‘black panthers’ are vital to the ecosystem – protecting their habitat ensures a thriving wildlife heritage.” His post also featured a video and an image of the leopard.

The All Odisha Leopard Estimation-2024 survey has further confirmed the presence of melanistic leopards in three forest divisions of the state, highlighting Odisha’s unique and rich biodiversity, crucial for ecological balance and conservation efforts.

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