Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Black Leopard Cub Spotted Near Darjeeling Wildlife Sanctuary
A person saw a leopard mother with two babies near Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.
The sighting happened on the Mungpoo-Pubong road in the Darjeeling hills.
One baby leopard was completely black.
This color pattern is called melanism.
People often call these animals black panthers.
Residents were excited because they said a black leopard had not been seen near the Senchal forest for decades.
A forest official could not confirm whether that claim was correct.
Officials are working to protect the cub and keep people from disturbing it.
The sighting suggests that the forest can support wildlife.
A passer-by spotted a female leopard and two cubs on the Mungpoo-Pubong road on Monday.
Video footage showed that one cub was completely black, indicating melanism.
The sighting occurred east of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Darjeeling hills.
Residents said it was the first such sighting near the Senchal forest in decades.
Forest officials said they are taking conservation steps to protect the cub in its natural habitat.
- Who
- A female leopard, two cubs, local residents, wildlife enthusiasts, and Darjeeling forest officials.
- What
- A black melanistic leopard cub was spotted with its mother and another cub.
- When
- On Monday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- On the Mungpoo-Pubong road, east of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Darjeeling hills.
- Why
- The sighting drew attention because of the cub's rare-looking black coat, while officials are taking conservation measures to prevent disturbance.
Residents' Claim
Forest Department's Position
Whether the sighting is unprecedented
Residents' Claim
Residents claimed this was the first sighting of a black melanistic leopard near the Senchal forest in decades.
Forest Department's Position
The divisional forest officer said he could not comment on whether it was the first sighting in decades, but said the cub reflects the area's biodiversity and suitable habitat.
- Animal observed
- A female leopard with two cubs
- Distinctive feature
- One cub was completely black and described as melanistic
- Sighting location
- Mungpoo-Pubong road, east of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Region
- Darjeeling hills
- Local claim
- Residents said this was the first nearby sighting in decades
- Official response
- The forest department said it was taking steps to protect the cub in its natural habitat
- Other reported locations
- Dowhill, Bagora, and the upper reaches of Singalila National Park