Stories
Rare Black Panther Trapped in Cage in Belthangady
N
News18•11-10-2026, 11:49
Rare Black Panther Trapped in Cage in Belthangady
- •A very rare black leopard was trapped in a cage set up by the Forest Department in Manila, Shirlalu village, Belthangady taluk.
- •The captured leopard is a male, approximately two years old, creating surprise and curiosity among local residents.
- •Forest officials stated that after a health check-up by a veterinarian, the leopard will be safely released into a reserved forest.
- •Melanistic leopards appear completely black due to the excessive production of a pigment called melanin in their bodies.
- •The dense forests of the Western Ghats are prime habitats for such wildlife, while increasing leopard movement causes concern among the public.
Key Questions Answered
Melanistic leopards have a dominant black color due to excessive melanin production in their bodies. While they appear completely black, their typical rosette or spot patterns can still be seen faintly depending on the angle of the light.
The rare black leopard was trapped in a cage set up by the Forest Department near the house of a person named Padmanabha in the Manila surroundings of Shirlalu village, located in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
Following its capture, a veterinarian will conduct a health check-up on the male leopard. Once the evaluation is complete, officials plan to safely release the animal into a reserved forest.
