Rare melanistic leopard with cub spotted in Odisha’s Nayagarh, boosting wildlife conservation efforts

A rare melanistic leopard and its cub have been spotted in the forests of Odisha’s Nayagarh district, a discovery that has brought great excitement among wildlife enthusiasts. The incredible sighting was captured through a camera trap set up in the forest, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts in the region.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, shared the news on X, along with a video and photo of the rare “black panther.” He highlighted how these elusive creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. By protecting the habitats of melanistic leopards, the region can preserve its diverse wildlife heritage. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A rare melanistic leopard with cub has been sighted in central Odisha, reflecting the region&#39;s incredible biodiversity. These elusive &quot;black panthers&quot; are vital to the ecosystem-protecting their habitat ensures a thriving wildlife heritage. <a href="https://twitter.com/ForestDeptt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ForestDeptt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMO_Odisha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMO_Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/IlwaI0qipq">pic.twitter.com/IlwaI0qipq</a></p>&mdash; Prem Kumar Jha (@Prem_CWLWOdisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prem_CWLWOdisha/status/1875055272739364986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This sighting is further significant as the All Odisha Leopard Estimation-2024 report has revealed that such leopards have been recorded in three of the state’s forest divisions. The melanistic leopard, known for its stunning black coat, is an important species in the area and is integral to Odisha's biodiversity.