Rare Black Leopard Captured in Forest Department Cage at Belthangady
Belthangady: A rare black leopard was captured in a cage set up by the Forest Department at Shirlalu village in Manila on October 10, sparking curiosity among local residents.
Following reports of leopard movement in the area, the Forest Department’s Venur zone had installed a cage near the house of a resident, Padmanabha. On October 10, officials found a male leopard, estimated to be around two years old, trapped in the cage. Forest Department personnel rushed to the spot and initiated further action.
Venur Zonal Forest Officer Bharat U. said the leopard was healthy and would be examined by a veterinary doctor before being safely released into a wildlife sanctuary.
Aladangady Branch Sub-Zonal Forest Officer Hariprasad, Patrol Forester Manjunath B. S., forest watchers Venkappa Nayka and Poovappa Nayka, and local residents were involved in the operation.
Black leopards are rarely sighted. Unlike typical leopards, which have yellowish or brown coats with black spots, black leopards appear predominantly black. This coloration is caused by melanism, a genetic condition resulting in increased production of the pigment melanin.
Their characteristic spots may still be visible under certain lighting conditions.
The forests of Karnataka’s Western Ghats provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including leopards. Leopard movement in Belthangady taluk has been reported in recent months. A normally coloured leopard was also captured in a cage set up by the Forest Department at Shirlalu some time ago.