Wildlife enthusiasts worldwide are enamoured with charismatic large cat species such as tigers and lions. Tigers have screamed loud and far in Nagarhole National Park in India’s southern state of Karnataka over the years, capturing the attention of many people. However, a separate huge cat species – the Kabini black panther – has established a ‘junglewood’ legend in recent years.
A leopard or a jaguar with a black body is usually referred to as a “black panther.” A black panther is a regular leopard or jaguar with a genetic mutation rather than a distinct species. Melanism is produced by a recessive trait in cats that causes them to have a dark coat that hides their rosettes.
The black panther of Kabini, Saya The black panther in Kabini, which translates to shadow in Hindi, attracts numerous tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to tour the dry deciduous forest. The majority of those who have been fortunate enough to see Saaya have been entranced.
According to some reports, the black panther was first seen in the Kabini section of Karnataka’s Nagarhole National Park in the 2014-2015 season. Before Kabini, brief sightings of black panthers were reported in Mudumalai National Park, Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, and the Nilgiri Biosphere. A few people were perplexed by the incident since they couldn’t figure out how the melanistic cat ended up in Kabini when no one had ever seen one before.
For the black panther in Kabini, it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. Saaya, who is younger and less experienced than the other male leopards in the area, has fought for his territory several times. The well-known Scarface, a powerful alpha male, is his most formidable foe. Saaya’s lustrous black coat easily blew his cover, unlike other common leopards with rosettes that help them blend in with their prey. At the first indication of movement, Langurs would instantly raise the alert. Hunting was a difficult task.
The black panther’s coat was a problem in the summer, sticking out against the brown vegetation. Having to stay alert all of the time, keep competing males at bay, and hunt, simply surviving might have been difficult. The black panther grew stronger as he got older. He also improved his ability to adjust to changing conditions and increased his hunting success. The black panther was victorious in subsequent brutal combat with one of the most dangerous males, winning him the privilege to mate. His partner, Cleopatra, was undoubtedly the most beautiful leopardess in the area.
Credits: Mithun H|Instagram
The leopard pair, dubbed ‘Saaya and Cleopatra’ by regulars, has been courting for four years and is a wonderful sight whenever they are seen together. Two lovely leopards roaming around their famous home. While India’s jungles have produced some charismatic tigers and tigresses, Kabini has produced some amazing leopards in the last ten years. From our resorts in Kabini learn more about these spotted cats flourishing in the wilds of Kabini.
There have been sightings of black panthers in Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, Tadoba National Park, and Mudumalai National Park, among other areas, suggesting that additional individuals are wandering India’s wild kingdoms. Nonetheless, no melanistic cat has captivated wildlife fans as much as Kabini’s black panther. Unlike other black big cats, who only give visitors a fleeting peek before scurrying into the shrubbery and disappearing, the black panther in Kabini has become accustomed to the rumbling gypsy and has provided some people with truly unforgettable sightings. Some lucky tourists have spotted it wandering down the centre of the road over the years!
Wildlife photographers are always on the lookout for the ghost lurking in Kabini’s shadows. Seeing a black panther is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Why not give it a shot staying in our resort in Kabini?
