Remarkable observations of melanistic leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) in Nepal

Dr Narayan Prasad Koju; Saraswati  Byanjankar; Dipa  Thapa; Sandhya  Shrestha; Ashim  Thapa Magar; Lina Chalise; Arati  Shrestha; Ram Kumar  Bhandari

doi:10.3126/njz.v6i2.51883

Dr Narayan Prasad Koju University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, USA
Saraswati Byanjankar School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, UK
Dipa Thapa Golden Gate International College, Tribhuvan University, Battisputali, Kathmandu, Nepal
Sandhya Shrestha Golden Gate International College, Tribhuvan University, Battisputali, Kathmandu, Nepal
Ashim Thapa Magar Department of Natural Resources Management, Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Nepal Engineering College, Pokhara University, Lalitpur, Nepal
Lina Chalise Central Zoo, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Lalitpur, Nepal
Arati Shrestha Department of Environment, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Nepal
Ram Kumar Bhandari Division Forest Office, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Nepal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/njz.v6i2.51883

Keywords: Melanism; Human-wildlife conflict; Pelage coloration; Black panther

Abstract

Melanism has been reported in many mammals, but records of melanistic leopards in Nepal are very few and not systematic, even though common leopards are found throughout the country and are considered one of the most problematic carnivores. In this study, we gathered data on records of five melanistic leopards that were seen or caught close to the Kathmandu Valley. Out of the five, two were captured on camera by locals, two were records of animals that were found alive but suffered injuries and passed away in captivity, and one was a record of a dead animal. All of them were recorded close to human populated areas. It is unknown what causes a high occurrence of melanosis in leopards and why it frequently occurs close to the Kathmandu Valley. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive analysis of their population, geographic range, and habitat.

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