Are melanistic leopards increasing in Karnataka, given frequent sightings? Sign of habitat loss, say experts
- July 27, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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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