Karnataka has documented its first-ever sighting of an ultra-rare leopard colour morph, informally named the “Sandalwood Leopard”, marking only the second confirmed instance in India.
The discovery was made in Vijayanagara district, drawing national and global attention to the state’s rich and genetically diverse wildlife.
Ultra-Rare “Sandalwood Leopard” Spotted for First Time in Karnataka
Rare Colour Morph Spotted in Vijayanagara
The Sandalwood Leopard is visually distinct due to its:
- Pale reddish-pink coat
- Light-brown rosettes
This sharply contrasts with the typical tawny coat and black rosettes of Indian leopards. The female leopard, estimated to be 6–7 years old, was captured on camera traps during wildlife surveys.
In later images, she was seen with a cub having a normal tawny coat, highlighting the exceptional rarity of the adult’s coloration.
Discovery by Conservation Researchers
The sighting was documented by wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi and his team from the Holematthi Nature Foundation.
The observation was part of a broader study on:
- Leopard population mapping
- Genetic diversity
- Conservation landscapes
The research focuses on the Kalyana-Karnataka region, a key but under-studied wildlife zone.
Possible Genetic Explanation
Experts suggest the unusual coloration may be caused by rare pigmentation conditions such as:
- Hypomelanism (reduced melanin)
- Erythrism (reddish pigmentation)
While melanistic leopards (black panthers) are relatively common in parts of Karnataka, this pale reddish-pink morph is extremely rare, both in India and worldwide.
Confirming the genetic cause will require molecular analysis using non-invasive DNA samples like hair or scat.
Global Rarity and Conservation Significance
Globally, this colour morph has been recorded only five times, with sightings reported in:
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- India
Karnataka is estimated to host around 2,500 leopards, making it one of India’s most critical big-cat conservation landscapes. The documentation of the Sandalwood Leopard highlights the importance of:
- Long-term ecological monitoring
- Genetic diversity studies
- Sustained wildlife conservation efforts
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Sandalwood Leopard is a rare colour morph of the Indian leopard
- First-ever sighting in Karnataka
- Second confirmed case in India
- Possible causes: hypomelanism or erythrism
- Spotted in Vijayanagara district
- Karnataka has high leopard density, including melanistic leopards
Question & Answer
Q1. The recently spotted “Sandalwood Leopard” is a rare colour morph of which animal?
(a) Tiger
(b) Leopard
(c) Cheetah
(d) Jaguar
Answer: Leopard
Q2. Where was Karnataka’s first Sandalwood Leopard sighting recorded?
(a) Bandipur
(b) Nagarhole
(c) Vijayanagara district
(d) Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Answer: Vijayanagara district
Q3. Which organisation documented the Sandalwood Leopard sighting?
(a) Wildlife Institute of India
(b) WWF India
(c) Holematthi Nature Foundation
(d) NTCA
Answer: Holematthi Nature Foundation
Q4. Which condition is believed to cause the rare reddish-pink coloration in the Sandalwood Leopard?
(a) Albinism
(b) Melanism
(c) Hypomelanism
(d) Gigantism
Answer: Hypomelanism
Q5. Karnataka is estimated to support approximately how many leopards?
(a) 1,000
(b) 1,500
(c) 2,000
(d) 2,500
Answer: 2,500
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