Karnataka Records First Sighting of Ultra-Rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’

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 of this rare big cat in India. The discovery, made in the Vijayanagara district, has drawn national and global attention to the state’s rich and genetically diverse wildlife.

Rare Colour Morph Spotted in Vijayanagara

The Sandalwood Leopard is distinguished by a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, a stark contrast to the typical tawny coat with black rosettes seen in Indian leopards. The female leopard, estimated to be around six to seven years old, was captured on camera traps during wildlife research surveys. In subsequent images, she was seen alongside a cub with a normal tawny coat, highlighting the 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 as part of a broader study on leopard diversity in Karnataka. The research focuses on mapping leopard populations and identifying key conservation landscapes in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. Researchers have noted that confirming the precise genetic cause of the unusual colouring would require molecular analysis through non-invasive DNA samples such as hair or scat.

Possible Genetic Explanation

Experts believe the rare appearance may be linked to conditions such as hypomelanism or erythrism, which affect pigmentation in animals. While melanistic leopards, commonly known as black panthers, are relatively well documented in parts of Karnataka, this pale reddish-pink morph is considered exceptionally rare, both nationally and globally.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Sandalwood Leopard is a rare colour morph of the Indian leopard.
• This is Karnataka’s first such sighting and India’s second confirmed case.
• Possible causes include hypomelanism or erythrism.
• Karnataka is known for high leopard density, including melanistic leopards.

Global Rarity and Conservation Significance

Globally, this colour morph has been recorded only five times, with sightings reported in South Africa, Tanzania, and India. Karnataka is estimated to support nearly 2,500 leopards, making it one of the most important landscapes for big cat conservation in the country. The documentation of the Sandalwood Leopard underscores the need for sustained conservation efforts and long-term ecological monitoring to better understand genetic diversity within India’s wildlife populations.