Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

• A black panther recently rescued from a village in Goa will be released into the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in South Goa.

About Black Panthers

• The majestic-looking animals called black panthers belong to the Kingdom of Anamalia.
• Black panthers look just like big giant cats and aren’t separate species.
• Its black fur color is a result of the pigment melanin; a result of genetic mutation, and is also called black leopard and black jaguar.

Anatomy and Appearance

• Black panther appearance-wise is surely sleek-looking.
• The most striking feature of this mammal is its eyes.
• The sharp eye shape and the bright emerald green eyes sort of give black panthers a fierce look; making them look elegant.
• Even when they are standing in the dark, their striking eyes stand out, looking like a silhouette.
• Panthers tend to be black and dark brown.
• Like the other feline members i.e Leopards and Jaguars, black panthers can also have a spotted body. However, due to their flashy dark fur, the spots aren’t clearly visible to the eyes.
• Black Jaguar prefers to spend their time in solitude.
• Black panthers aren’t just sleek-looking animals with smart brains. They are also exceptionally fearless hunters, solitary animals, and quite territorial in temperament.
• Melanistic Jaguar is polygamous.

Habitat

• They are widely scattered over three continents.
• Black panthers mostly live in the steamy, dense tropical rainforests of South and Southeast Asia.
• They mainly inhabit Southwest China, Southern India, Indonesia, Burma, Nepal, and Southern Malaysia.

Interesting Facts and Features About Black panthers

• Black panthers are considered to be one of the most intelligent Felidae family members.
• Panther cubs are born blind, they are first able to open their eyes after 5-9 days.
• Panthers have exceptional eyesight, sense of smell, and hunting skills.
• The IUCN has classified both Leopards and Jaguars as threatened species because they are both getting more and more vulnerable across a large portion of their natural range.

About Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in South-Eastern Goa, India.
• It constitutes one of the vital corridors of the Western Ghats and covers an area of about 211 km2.
• Netravali or Neturli is an important tributary of River Zuari, which originates in the sanctuary.
• Forests mostly consist of moist deciduous vegetation interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen habitat; there are also two all-season waterfalls in the sanctuary.
• Netravali WLS has two all-season waterfalls, namely Savri and Mainapi.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Which of the following statements with reference to Black Panther is/are incorrect? a. They are endemic to South and Southeast Asia. b. Its black fur color is a result of the pigment melanin. c. Black Jaguar prefers to spend their time in solitude. a and b b and c a and c None of the above Answer: Option 4

 

https://theprint.in/india/goa-to-release-rescued-black-panther-in-netravali-wildlife-sanctuary/1495952/