A very rare photograph clicked recently of an elusive black leopard along with her normal colored mate in a forest in South India has enthralled many a wildlife enthusiast. The image, which recently won a prize at the Sanctuary-RBS Wildlife Photography Awards 2010, is said to be one-of-its kind as black leopards are difficult to capture in their natural habitat.
Naturalist and writer Bittu Sahgal of Sanctuary Asia told TOI: “We were thrilled to see this female black leopard along with her normal male mate. Its photos like these that bring alive the magic and mystery of our forests, which must be saved at all costs”
Deputy Director of Sanctuary Shardul S Bajikar, added that a team of amateur photographers— Sivlingam and R Prakash —managed to click this gem with a telescopic (300 m) camera lens. “We don’t want to disclose the location, as it may attract poacher and unlawful elements,” said Bajikar.
A condition called melanism (dark pigmentation of the skin) is responsible for black leopards. However, apart from the skin color black leopards are no different from the normal, spotted big cats.
Veteran leopard researcher at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), J C Daniel, who had earlier compiled the book, told TOI: “Black leopards are hard to find, leave alone be photographed, as they live in dense wilderness which experience heavy rainfall. This photo of a black leopard and her normal mate is interesting.”
Courtesy :- Times Of India, 13th December, 2010
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