Rare ‘sandalwood leopard’ spotted for the first time in Karnataka
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers in Karnataka have made a remarkable sighting of an ultra-rare leopard colour morph in the Vijayanagara district. This extraordinary big cat, dubbed the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ by conservationists, boasts a distinctive pale reddish-pink coat adorned with light-brown rosettes. The spotting of this majestic creature marks only the second confirmed sighting of such a leopard in India and the first in the state of Karnataka.
The remarkable sighting was made possible by the tireless efforts of wildlife scientist Sanjay Gubbi, who has been working diligently to document and conserve the wildlife in the region. The ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ is an extremely rare colour morph, with only a handful of sightings reported globally. The fact that this leopard has been spotted in Karnataka is a significant discovery, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the region and the need for continued conservation efforts.
The ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ gets its name from the distinctive colour of its coat, which is reminiscent of the prized sandalwood trees that are native to the region. The pale reddish-pink hue, combined with the light-brown rosettes, makes this leopard a truly unique and breathtaking sight. The colour morph is the result of a rare genetic variation, which affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the leopard’s coat colour.
The sighting of the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ in Karnataka is a significant milestone for conservationists, who have been working to protect the state’s wildlife for decades. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures, which are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
The Vijayanagara district, where the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ was spotted, is a region of great natural beauty, with lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling waterways. The district is home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, tigers, elephants, and many other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The presence of the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ in this region underscores the need for continued conservation efforts, to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
The documentation of the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ by Sanjay Gubbi and his team is a testament to the dedication and expertise of wildlife scientists and conservationists in India. The use of camera traps, DNA analysis, and other cutting-edge techniques has enabled researchers to gather valuable insights into the behaviour, habitat, and population dynamics of these elusive creatures.
The discovery of the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ has sent shockwaves of excitement through the conservation community, with many experts hailing it as a major breakthrough. The sighting has also sparked a renewed interest in leopard conservation, with many organizations and individuals coming forward to support efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
In conclusion, the spotting of the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ in Karnataka is a remarkable discovery that highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and the need for continued conservation efforts. The dedication and expertise of wildlife scientists like Sanjay Gubbi have made it possible to document and study these elusive creatures, and their work will undoubtedly inspire future generations of conservationists.
As we marvel at the beauty and majesty of the ‘Sandalwood Leopard’, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the natural world and protecting the incredible creatures that inhabit it. The discovery of this rare leopard colour morph is a powerful reminder of the wonders that await us in the wild, and the need for continued exploration, documentation, and conservation of our planet’s precious biodiversity.
About the Author
