Recently, a rare sighting of the Melanistic Leopard, otherwise known as the Black Panther, was recorded in the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Maharashtra. This unusual wildlife occurrence is significant not only for its rarity but also for what it reveals about the diverse ecosystem of the region. This article delves into details about the Black Panther, its habits and threats, the NNTR, and other protected areas in Maharashtra.
All about the Melanistic Leopard/Black Panther
Leopards (Panthera Pardus) vary in coloration from light (pale yellow to deep gold or tawny) with black rosettes to entirely black. The melanistic leopards, which are all-black or very-dark, are referred to as Black Panthers. These creatures are color variants of the spotted Indian leopards, usually sighted in the densely forested areas of southern India.
The Black Panther’s distinctive coat coloration can be attributed to the expression of recessive alleles in leopards and dominant alleles in jaguars. In both species, a specific combination of alleles prompts the creation of significant amounts of the dark pigment melanin in the animal’s fur and skin. The manifestation of a black coat may also be influenced by external factors like the angle of incident light and the animal’s life stage. Despite its uniqueness, the Black Panther is just as elusive as a typical leopard and is notoriously difficult to detect.
The Black Panther’s Habitat and Threats
Black Panthers primarily reside in Southwestern China, Burma, Nepal, Southern India, Indonesia, and the southern region of Malaysia. In India, they are spotted in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra. However, these magnificent creatures face several threats, such as habitat loss, collisions with vehicles, diseases, human encroachment, and poaching.
The Black Panther is classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, listed in Appendix I of CITES, and placed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which signifies its necessity for high levels of protection.
The Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve
Situated in the Gondia and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra, the NNTR resides in the center of the central Indian Tiger landscape, which contributes to almost one-sixth of the total tiger population in India. It was declared the 46th Tiger Reserve of India in December 2013, incorporating the notified area of Navegaon National Park, Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and Koka Wildlife Sanctuary.
The NNTR is connected with major tiger reserves like Kanha and Pench tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve in Maharashtra, Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, and indirectly with the Kawal and Nagarjuna Sagar in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and Achanakmar Tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh. Furthermore, it’s linked to crucial tiger-bearing areas like Umred-Karhandla sanctuary and the Brahampuri Division in Maharashtra.
Flora and Fauna of the Reserve
The primary forest type within the reserve is the “Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest”, with a smattering of thorny plants and abundant bamboo. The reserve boasts a diverse fauna with carnivores such as leopards, wild dogs, wolves, jackals, jungle cats, and a significant population of sloth bears. Herbivores like Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Chousingha, Barking deer, Wild pig, Indian gaur, and Mouse deer are also found in plenty. The reserve is notably a bird watcher’s paradise with more than 300 species reported in the area.
Finally, Maharashtra is home to several other protected areas such as Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Pench National Park, all playing a critical role in wildlife conservation.
