In a landmark moment for Indian wildlife documentation, Karnataka has recorded its first-ever ‘Sandalwood Leopard’—an ultra-rare, strawberry-coloured leopard—in the Vijayanagara district. This extraordinary sighting marks only the second documented case in India, with the first reported from Rajasthan.
The discovery has sparked nationwide interest among wildlife researchers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts, shedding new light on the genetic diversity of India’s apex predators.
What Is a ‘Sandalwood Leopard’?
The term ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ is used to describe a strawberry or golden-hued colour morph of the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). Unlike melanistic (black) leopards, this rare morph features:
-
A pale reddish-gold coat
-
Faint, often less-contrasting rosettes
-
A lighter overall appearance compared to typical leopards
Such coloration is believed to result from rare genetic variation affecting pigmentation, making these leopards exceptionally uncommon.
Where Was It Spotted? Vijayanagara District, Karnataka
The leopard was documented in Vijayanagara district, a region known for its rugged hills, scrub forests, and dry deciduous landscapes. These habitats provide:
-
Natural camouflage for lighter-coloured big cats
-
Adequate prey populations
-
Low-disturbance forest patches
The sighting reinforces Vijayanagara’s importance as a lesser-known but biologically significant wildlife landscape in Karnataka.
Why This Sighting Matters
1. Rare Genetic Diversity
The appearance of a strawberry-coloured leopard highlights hidden genetic variation within India’s leopard populations—an important factor for long-term species resilience.
2. Expanding Known Range
Previously reported only in Rajasthan, this sighting suggests that such colour morphs may exist in isolated or understudied habitats across India.
3. Conservation Significance
Leopards are highly adaptable, yet face increasing pressure from:
-
Habitat fragmentation
-
Human–wildlife conflict
-
Infrastructure expansion
Documenting rare individuals strengthens the case for landscape-level conservation beyond protected areas.
How Rare Is This Leopard?
-
Second confirmed sighting in India
-
First-ever recorded in Karnataka
-
Possibly one of the rarest leopard colour morphs globally
Such sightings are typically captured through camera traps or field documentation by forest departments and researchers
Leopards and Karnataka’s Forest Ecosystems
Karnataka hosts a significant leopard population spread across:
-
Western Ghats
-
Eastern plains
-
Deccan scrub forests
The discovery of a Sandalwood Leopard adds a new chapter to the state’s wildlife story and underscores the importance of protecting even non-tiger landscapes.
FAQ & People Also Ask (PAA)
What is a Sandalwood Leopard?
A Sandalwood Leopard is a rare strawberry-coloured or golden-hued colour morph of the Indian leopard.
Where was Karnataka’s first Sandalwood Leopard spotted?
It was documented in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka.
Is this leopard a new species?
No. It is a colour variation of the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), not a separate species.
How many Sandalwood Leopards have been seen in India?
Only two confirmed sightings—one in Rajasthan and one in Karnataka.
Why are such colour morphs important?
They reflect genetic diversity and help scientists understand adaptation and evolution in wild populations.
Conclusion: A Rare Glimpse Into Nature’s Hidden Palette
The recording of Karnataka’s first Sandalwood Leopard is more than a rare wildlife sighting—it is a reminder that India’s forests still hold secrets waiting to be discovered. As conservation challenges intensify, such moments reinforce the need to protect diverse landscapes that sustain not just species, but nature’s extraordinary variations.
Every documented sighting strengthens the case for safeguarding India’s wild heritage—in all its colours.
0 comments:
Post a Comment