Wildlife enthusiasts call for release of black panther cub caught in Keralam

Why in news?

A black panther cub, around two years old, walked into a cage trap in Kerala. Forest officials say it is probably the first time a black panther has been caught in a cage in the State. Wildlife enthusiasts argue that, given its age, it may not be the animal involved in conflicts and should be released as per protocol.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims – Species in news (black panther). 

What is a Black Panther?

• Not a separate species: A ‘black panther’ is not a species. In India and Asia, it is a melanistic (black-coloured) form of the common leopard (Panthera pardus). In the Americas, the term is used for a melanistic jaguar (Panthera onca).
• Melanism: It is the excess production of the dark pigment melanin, which makes the skin and fur black. In leopards it is caused by a recessive gene, so both parents must carry it. A normal spotted mother can give birth to a black cub and vice versa.
• Ghost rosettes: The rosettes (spots) are still present. They become visible in bright sunlight or in infrared camera trap images.
• Same behaviour: Black leopards can mate with spotted leopards and have the same diet, behaviour and legal status as any other leopard.
• Why black?: Melanistic leopards are more common in dense, humid tropical forests. The dark coat is believed to give better camouflage in low light. This fits Gloger’s rule, i.e. animals in warm, humid regions tend to be darker.
• Global fact: Roughly one in ten leopards worldwide is estimated to be melanistic. In the southern Malay Peninsula, almost all leopards are black.
• Where in India: Mostly in the Western Ghats, e.g. Kabini (Nagarhole TR), Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) TR, Bhadra TR, Nilgiris, Periyar and Goa’s forests. Records also come from the Northeast, Odisha and Tadoba (Maharashtra).
• Popular culture: Bagheera of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (set in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh) is a black panther.

Practice MCQ

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. The black panther found in India is a distinct species of the genus Panthera.
2. The black colour of a black panther is due to melanism, and its rosettes can be seen under certain light conditions.
3. The black tigers of Similipal Tiger Reserve are an example of pseudo-melanism.
4. The clouded leopard and the snow leopard belong to the same genus as the Indian leopard.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only     (b) 2 and 3 only     (c) 3 and 4 only     (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (b) The black panther is a melanistic leopard, not a separate species. The clouded leopard belongs to the genus Neofelis, while the leopard and snow leopard are in Panthera.

Q2. With reference to the ‘Status of Leopards in India 2022’ report, consider the following statements:

1. Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard population in the country.
2. The leopard population declined compared to the 2018 estimate.
3. The Central India and Eastern Ghats landscape holds the largest number of leopards.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one     (b) Only two     (c) All three     (d) None

Answer: (b) Statement 2 is incorrect. The population rose from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.