After 5 years of hide and seek, Assam's most elusive animal finally spotted in wildlife park

For years, she was almost a myth in Assam. Talked about, but almost never spotted. Every footprint, every faint trail, and every elusive sign suggested she was still roaming the wilderness. Yet, despite years of relentless searching, she managed to avoid every camera for five consecutive years.

At last, the extraordinary breakthrough arrived. According to a Better India report, the long-lost wild cat was finally captured on camera, bringing an end to years of mystery and delighting conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts who had waited patiently for this remarkable moment.

However, one melanistic leopard or the Black Panther, was finally spotted along with two cubs at the lush Manas National Park in Assam.


The majestic mom of two was captured along with her adorable offsprings by photographer Debashis Banerjee.

What Is The Melanistic Leopard?

According to Swedish wildlife photographer Johan Siggesson, melanistic leopards is a regular leopard with a genetic condition that causes its fur to be pitch black. However, if the lighting is right, you can still identify its spots called rosettes underneath the fur.

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Melanism is a rare inherited genetic trait that causes an unusually high production of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for the color of an animal's skin, fur, and eyes. In leopards, this genetic variation results in a striking coat that appears jet black or deep brown instead of the typical golden-yellow color. Although these animals seem completely black from a distance, their distinctive leopard markings, known as rosettes, are still present beneath the dark fur and become visible only under certain lighting conditions.

Scientists have linked this remarkable coloration to a mutation in the ASIP (Agouti Signaling Protein) gene, which plays a key role in regulating how pigments are produced and distributed throughout the leopard's coat. The altered gene causes dark pigment to dominate, giving melanistic leopards their iconic black appearance while leaving their characteristic spot patterns subtly intact.

Melanistic leopards are typically found in dense, heavily wooded habitats where their dark-colored fur helps them blend seamlessly into shadowy surroundings. This natural camouflage provides an advantage while stalking prey, especially in forests with limited sunlight. Sightings of these rare big cats have been recorded across several regions, including the Western Ghats in India, the rainforests of the Malay Peninsula, the forested landscapes of Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, the Indonesian island of Java, and various parts of Africa. Their striking black appearance makes them one of the most fascinating and elusive members of the leopard family.