The recent unprecedented spotting of a black panther in Goa’s Netravali Sanctuary has drawn attention to this wildlife hotspot. Despite being renowned as a habitat of tigers, it is the first instance that a black panther has been caught on film within the sanctuary.
Understanding the Black Panther
A black panther is not a distinct species but refers to the melanistic color variant visible in any Panthera, particularly among leopards in Asia and Africa, and jaguars in the Americas. The darker pigmentation, called melanism, results from an overdevelopment of the dark-colored pigment melanin in the skin or fur. Such panthers possess the same qualities of shyness as normal leopards, rendering them difficult to detect. For the most part, they are encountered in the densely forested regions of southern India.
Black panthers have previously been spotted in numerous locations in India: Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala; Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, and Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka; Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh; Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa; and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary: A Unique Habitat
Situated in South Eastern Goa, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a significant corridor of the Western Ghats. It shares borders with Cotigao wildlife sanctuary on the east and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary along with Mollem National Park to its north. Netravali, also known as Neturli, is a crucial tributary of River Zuari which originates within the sanctuary. The sanctuary also boasts two prominent waterfalls: Savari and Mainapi.
The sanctuary’s forests predominantly comprise moist deciduous vegetation, interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen habitats. The fauna population includes leopards, giant squirrels, mouse deer, Nilgiri wood pigeons, and Ceylon frogmouths.
Other Protected Areas in Goa
Goa, a state rich in biodiversity, is home to several other protected areas apart from the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. These include the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, and Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Each of these natural reserves plays an essential role in the conservation of diverse species and contributes to the ecological richness of the region.
It is noteworthy that such occurrences serve to underline the critical need for protecting and nurturing these natural habitats in order to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
