- The black panther has a condition called melanism which changes the color of its fur, allowing it to hunt at night
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Unique images of an elusive black leopard have been captured in stunning high definition in rural India.
Photos show the rich marble color of the cat’s thin coat as it blocks a dusty road at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
The leopard has a rare condition called melanism, a genetic mutation in animals that increases the production of melanin pigment, causing the skin, coat, feathers or scales to darken.
Melanistic leopards and jaguars are especially rare; researchers estimate that only 11 percent of leopards are true “black panthers.”
Photographer Narayan Malu was lucky enough to capture the animal on her camera.
“We gave him plenty of space and he just calmly crossed the road, a normal day in his life, but completely unique to me,” she said.
‘This moment in nature is one I will never forget and probably won’t be able to repeat.”
The black leopard crosses a dusty road at the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, western India
‘I love the shot of him looking back at me. It is the perfect look, his eyes speak,” said photographer Narayan Malu
The black fur provides great camouflage to hunt prey more effectively at night
It is not known how many remain in the wild, although researchers estimate that 11 percent of leopards may have the condition