A rare black leopard, also referred to as a black panther in India, was caught on a camera trap in a wildlife sanctuary in South Goa. Officials are unsure if there are more of these animals in the area or if this individual is alone, according to India Times.
The image of the animal, captured in Patiem Beat of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, was shared on Twitter by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Goa’s chief minister.
A great glimpse of Goa’s rich wildlife. Black Panther camera trapped at Patiem Beat of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. pic.twitter.com/p7IVuHDLP1
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) May 6, 2020
The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary spans across 211km². Black leopards are melanistic Indian spotted leopards and are also referred to as the ‘ghost of the forest’ due to their rarity.
Image: Twitter/ Dr. Pramod Sawant
