Rare Black Panther Sightings in Forests in Odisha

A rare melanistic leopard, also known as a black panther, was found in three different forest areas during the "All Odisha Leopard Estimation" conducted by the state's forest authorities. The study covered 47 forest divisions across the state.

Challenges Faced by the Melanistic Leopards of Conservation

Melanistic Leopards And What You Need To Know

• Black just sounds more appealing than melanistic leopards since the condition is a result of excess melanin.
• More of a colour variant of common leopards, better camouflage in thick forest
• About 11% of the leopard population in Africa and Asia are them.

CURRENT leopards population in ODISHA

• Increase of 128 leopards for Odisha: 696 leopards in Odisha.
• Methodical Assessment of Population via – paw prints, scat, calls.
• While the NTCA's 2018 survey had a larger margin of error because of statistical models and fewer camera traps.

Areas in Odisha known for leopard habitats

• The most important landscapes are Similipal Tiger Reserve and Satkosia.
• The problem of poaching is still very serious, as evidenced by 59 leopard skins being seized over the five-year period of 2018-2023.