Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)

[Ngala]

Photo and information credits: Praveen Siddannavar Photography
Black Panther! Melanistic leopards are commonly called Black Panthers, these are also known as black leopard and this term also applies to melanistic Jaguars. Black panthers are found in the dense tropical rain forest where the sunlight is low. The dark coloration acts as better camouflage in low sunlight conditions of the forest floor. These cats normally hunt on chital, black-naped hare, langurs, mouse deer.
Close examination of the colour of the black panthers will show that the typical markings known as rosettes or spots are still present, but are hidden by the excess black pigment, giving an effect similar to that of printed silk. And in this image the rosettes are clearly visible…
June 2016, (Kabini)Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka State, India

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply