Leopard Safari: Search for Black Panther
Like the white tiger the black panther or leopards has become an esoteric find. While the white tiger was found only once in the wild the black panther is being seen frequently in many tiger reserves of India chiefly in what was considered old Central India.
Although the black panther is a rarity it is genetically the same as our common leopard. The only difference between the two is excessive black pigments. If you carefully observe the black find you will see black spots like in the common specimen covered with a sheen of hazy black. Thus, in this case the black pigment has spread all over the body and the predator appears all black whence seen from far. This phenomenon is known as melanism and is seen in other animals also. Anyway the melanistic leopard looks majestic and wildlife photographers have begun to frequent destination wherever it is seen in the country.
In the case of the white tiger the absence of orange in the skin and presence of extensive white is due to a recessive gene. Maybe hundreds of years back the tiger which originated in the intense cold region of Siberia adorned a white color to match with the snowy surroundings. This could explain the prevalence of white colored pigments. Remember the first and only white tiger was found in Sanjay Dubri National Park in the Siddhi District of Madhya Pradesh.
Anyway coming back to the black panther they are found in India and Africa. in India, they are frequently seen in the following reserves.
Pench National Park
Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Nagarhole
Kabini National Park
Manas National Park
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagzhira Tiger Reserve
Unlike the white tiger, which is likely to be born after every 10,000 births black panthers can be spotted anywhere. The likelihood of coming across a melanistic specimen is reasonably high since the genetic anomaly has been witnessed since ages. The animal finds mention in the famous “Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling.
So when visiting any of the above mentioned parks keep a eye for the black one. Organize a leopard safari to reserves in India where black leopard is seen. I am sure you will not be disappointed.















