Black Panther with Cub Seen in Odisha's Nayagarh Forest

Govind Tekale

In Nayagarh, Odisha, a rare black leopard and its young were sighted.

Photo Source: Rute Martins of Leoa's Photography (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Due to genetics, black panthers are leopards with dark fur.

Photo Source: Tim Ellis (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Only three forests in Odisha have seen these uncommon cats.

Photo Source: Tambako  (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Officials can monitor wildlife without disturbing it by using camera traps.

Photo Source: USAID FAB Photo Contest 2010 (CC BY-NC 2.0)

The finding demonstrates the health of the forest and the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.

Photo Source: Luke Mackin (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

At dawn and dusk, residents should avoid the boundaries of the forest.

Photo Source: Frank Vassen (CC BY 2.0)

Wildlife encounters close to villages are decreased by proper waste storage.

Photo Source: Jesse Loughborough (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Locals can support forest protection efforts and report sightings.

Photo Source: Sajjad Hussain (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

A flourishing wildlife legacy is ensured by forest protection.

Photo Source: Tambako (CC BY-ND 2.0)