Rare Black Panthers Spotted in Odisha's Forests

Odisha has discovered the presence of the rare melanistic leopard, also known as the black panther, in three forest divisions across the state. The first All Odisha Leopard Estimation-2024 results revealed that the current leopard population in Odisha is 696, an increase of 128 from the previous count.

Black Panther Sightings in Odisha

Melanistic leopards, known as black panthers, spotted in three forest divisions across Odisha.
One black panther captured on trap cameras in Garjan Hills, Hemgiri forest range, Sundargarh district.
Sightings kept confidential to protect against poaching.
Pradeep Kumar Mirase, DFO Sundargarh, confirms multiple sightings by protection squad.
More cameras to be installed to monitor the black panther's movements.
Melanistic leopards are not a separate species but a color variant due to genetic mutation.
They make up only about 11% of leopard populations in certain regions of Africa and Asia.

Odisha Leopard Population Census

First All Odisha Leopard Estimation-2024 conducted across 47 forest divisions.
Current leopard population in Odisha: 696, an increase of 128 from previous count.
However, lower than the 760 reported by NTCA in 2018.

Odisha's survey method more comprehensive than NTCA's:

- Used various identifiers: pugmarks, scrapes, scats, vocalizations, etc.
- Camera traps used to identify unique adult leopards.
- Statistical error less than 10%, compared to NTCA's 35% in 2018.
Similipal Tiger Reserve has the largest leopard population in Odisha.
Satkosia landscape ranks second in leopard numbers.

Conservation Challenges and Unique Features

Poaching remains a major threat to leopards in Odisha.
59 leopard skins seized from smugglers between 2018 and 2023.
Black panthers face unique conservation challenges due to rarity.
Similipal Tiger Reserve known for melanistic Royal Bengal tigers.
Similipal's tigers have a unique lineage with black and yellow stripes.
Black panthers have better camouflage in dense forests.
Continuous conservation efforts needed to protect and grow leopard population.

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