A rare and striking visitor has arrived at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) Rescue Centre, a 7 to 8-month-old black leopard cub, rescued after being found injured along a roadside in Ratnagiri.
The cub, suffering from a leg fracture and neurological complications, is currently under round-the-clock veterinary care. Doctors say it may need surgery soon.
A few months ago, locals near Devrukh in Ratnagiri district spotted what they thought was a black cat lying unconscious by the road. On closer look, they realised it was a leopard cub and immediately informed the Forest Department. The animal was rushed to wildlife veterinarian Dr Nikhil Bangar in Satara for urgent treatment.
“Initially, we suspected the cub had collapsed from starvation. But medical tests and blood work revealed an infection, neurological disorder, and a leg fracture,” said a Forest Department official. “An X-ray confirmed the injury, and the cub underwent one surgery. It’s likely it was hit by a vehicle.”
Since Ratnagiri lacks a Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) for wild animals, the cub was shifted to Satara and later moved to SGNP’s Leopard Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for long-term care.
The official added, “There is an urgent need for a treatment centre in Ratnagiri, as several wildlife rescues take place there. The cub cannot be released back into the wild and will now remain under care at SGNP.”
Black leopard sightings in Konkan
Black leopards, also known as melanistic leopards, are a rare genetic variant of the common spotted leopard. They have been occasionally sighted in Konkan, Goa, and Kabini (Karnataka).
2018: A Belgian tourist family spotted one at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve — the first confirmed photo capture in Maharashtra.
2020: A tour operator sighted one at Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
2021: A black leopard appeared in camera trap footage from Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve.
2021: Another was rescued from a well in Sindhudurg’s Goveri village and later released.
What is a black panther?
Black leopards — commonly called black panthers, owe their colour to melanism, caused by excess melanin in the skin. Despite their dark coats, faint rosettes (spots) can still be seen in sunlight. Their fur often appears as a blend of blue, black, grey, and deep purple hues.
