Are melanistic leopards increasing in Karnataka, given frequent sightings? Sign of habitat loss, say experts

Are melanistic leopards increasing in Karnataka, given frequent sightings? Sign of habitat loss, say experts

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• Frequent sightings of melanistic leopards, also known as ‘black panthers,’ have been reported in Karnataka, raising curiosity among wildlife enthusiasts.
• Melanism is a genetic condition causing black skin and spots, found in about 11% of the Indian leopard subspecies.

Population and Habitat Concerns:

• The increase in sightings does not necessarily indicate a population rise; it may reflect habitat loss.
• Karnataka’s leopard population is stable at around 2,500, with approximately 11% being melanistic.
• The overall leopard population in India has grown from 8,000 in 2014 to 12,852 in 2018, with significant populations in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Habitat Loss and Human Encroachment:

• Leopards in Karnataka face significant habitat loss due to urban expansion, deforestation, and agricultural activities.
• This habitat encroachment forces leopards into human-dominated areas, increasing the likelihood of sightings and potential conflicts.

Melanistic Leopard/Black Panther:

• Leopards (Panthera Pardus) are either light-coloured (pale yellow to deep gold or tawny) with black rosettes or black fur.
• The melanistic leopards, which are either all-black or very dark in colouration, are known as black panthers. It is a colour variant of spotted Indian leopards, reported from densely forested areas of south India.
• Black coat colouration is attributed to the expression of recessive alleles in leopards and dominant alleles in jaguars. In each species, a certain combination of alleles stimulates the production of large amounts of the dark pigment melanin (Melanism) in the animal’s fur and skin.
• The appearance of a black coat may be influenced by other factors, such as the angle of incident light and the animal’s life stage.
• It is as shy as a normal leopard and very difficult to detect.
• Habitat:
  • They are mainly in Southwestern China, Burma, Nepal, Southern India, Indonesia, and the southern part of Malaysia.
  • In India, they can be spotted in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra etc.
• Threats:
  • Habitat loss.
  • Collision with vehicles.
  • Diseases.
  • Human encroachment.
  • Poaching.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
  • CITES: Appendix I.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.

Source: DTE