Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Karnataka Records Rare Sandalwood Leopard
In Karnataka, India, scientists found a very rare leopard with a special color.
This leopard has a light reddish-pink coat, like sandalwood, with light brown spots.
They named it the 'Sandalwood Leopard' because it's the first of its kind found in Karnataka and only the second in India.
The leopard is a 7-year-old female, and she has a cub with normal coloring.
Scientists think the leopard's unique color comes from a special genetic condition, but they need more tests to be sure.
This kind of leopard is also called a 'Strawberry Leopard' in other countries.
The team that found it wants to learn more about this rare animal.
A rare color morph leopard, named 'Sandalwood Leopard', was recorded in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka.
This is the first such leopard recorded in Karnataka and the second in India.
The leopard has a pale reddish-pink coat with light brown rosettes, resembling sandalwood.
The leopard is a 7-year-old female, and she has a cub with normal coat coloration.
Scientists believe the unique coloration is due to a genetic condition, but further analysis is needed.
- Who
- Wildlife researchers from Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF)
- What
- Discovered an ultra-rare color morph leopard, named 'Sandalwood Leopard'
- When
- During leopard population estimation in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka
- Where
- Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, India
- Why
- To document and study the rare color morph leopard
- Location
- Vijayanagara district, Karnataka
- Age
- 7 years
- Gender
- Female
- Cub's Coat
- Normal coloration with black rosettes
- Previous Record
- Ranakpur, Rajasthan (2021)
- International Name
- Strawberry Leopard
- Research Team
- Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF)
- Genetic Analysis
- Not yet conducted