The Ghost of Kabini (Melanistic Leopard)

The Melanistic Leopard of Kabini

 The kabini tourism zone has been a hostpot for watching wildlife and not just for tigers but also for leopards and especially for melanistic(black panther) ones.The black panther has been in the limelight for many years here in Kabini. Its still a mystery how, when and from where these black panthers ventured into Nagarhole. There is a strong belief that it may possibly have moved from the adjoining forests of Wayanad, Kerala or was existing in Nagarhole and was never spotted before. 

But what's a Black Panther, Really? Many of us have the mistaken belief that black panthers are a separate species. This is not true, it's not a separate species, but rather a Common Leopard with a gene that produces dark pigment. 

Black Panthers are usually found in dense tropical rain forests, where the penetration of sunlight is low. Their dark coloration acts as better camouflage in the low sunlight conditions of the forest floor. These cats normally hunt on chital, black-naped hare, langurs, and mouse deer.  

A melanistic panther in the meadows of the kabini forest. 

Black Panthers prefer the dense tropical rain forests where the sunlight is low. Therefore Kabini, Nagarhole tourism zone is exceptional, as not many areas are as dense as typically preferred by these cats. 

I have spotted black panthers at Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve on 3 occasions and the density of black panthers is highest in that region, however chances to spot them in such dense forests is never easy and a rare sight. On the other hand in Kabini, the black panther which has been in limelight has adapted quite well to this type of habitat and has been spotted on several occasions especially resting on a tree. I have been lucky to spot him on 3 occasions, once on the ground while it was seen having a territorial fight with another male which was a normal spotted leopard and this beautiful creature fortunately won this battle and is now seen covering a large territory within the tourism zone. Black panthers in other forests especially at Dandeli are extremely shy, however this cat at kabini has got quite accustomed to humans and the safari vehicles. 

Traditionally the thought is black panthers have an advantage for nighttime hunting. However the research strongly believes that it is easier for other species or a prey to spot solidly patterned animal versus one whose markings are broken up. 

The black panther spotted at kabini is a male and it is amazing to see him cover a large territory. 

Saya and Cleopatra 

Saya and Cleopatra have been together for almost 4 years now. The forest comes alive as they trot nonchalantly in their fabled kingdom. Usually in the courting pairs generally it is the male who takes charge and moves around with the female following close behind. But with this couple it was definitely Cleo in charge while the panther follows. 

Saya and Cleopatra, the eternal couple. Pictured By- Mithun H 

Spotting Saya 

The first experience of spotting Saya was truly something worth remembering. Finally after about a year of searching for him got a chance to see this beauty and after that there was no looking back. As usual on a safari searching for big cats, got a tip from someone that the panther has been spotted. Our gypsy driver Loki turned back and said hold on we are speeding up so we can't miss him. We reached there within 10  minutes, and there he was on the branch resting. His head covered with leaves, just waiting for that 1 perfect shot. By the time we moved our jeep back it got down from the back of the tree and disappeared  into the lantana. 

It was a typical monsoon evening with heavy showers. We were enjoying the beauty of the lush green 

jungle, suddenly our safari driver 'bhaiya' exclaims, "Blackie, Bagheera" pointing to a tree. Little did 

we know that would be the only vehicle destined to spend the next 2-3 odd hours with him. 

However in the end we had to leave, while he continued to lounge lazily on the branch.  

Pictured on- 23rd January, 2020 

 Its very rare that we spot these rare, majestic creatures roaming in the wild. The onus is on us to save these beautiful beasts from extinction. This is only possible when we start acting as responsible citizens and start taking responsibilities of not only the wildlife, but also these beautiful forests where these creatures thrive.