Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Rare Black Dhole Spotted in Maharashtra, India
Imagine a wild dog called a dhole.
A special one, completely black due to a rare condition called melanism, was recently seen in India.
This is because it has too much melanin, making its fur black instead of reddish-brown.
Dholes live in packs and hunt animals.
This sighting suggests the forest is healthy and stable enough to support rare animals.
A rare melanistic dhole (black wild dog) was sighted in Maharashtra's Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
The sighting was recorded by a tourist, Digvijay Patil, exploring the area.
Dholes, also known as Asiatic wild dogs, are distinct from domestic dogs, with unique vocalizations.
Melanism, causing the black coat, is a rare genetic condition due to excess melanin.
Forest officials consider the sighting a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
- Who
- Tourist Digvijay Patil
- What
- A melanistic (black) dhole was spotted in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
- When
- June 2025
- Where
- Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- The sighting suggests a healthy ecosystem.
- Animal Type
- Melanistic dhole (Asiatic wild dog)
- Location
- Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India
- Spotted by
- Digvijay Patil
- Dhole Vocalization
- Whistles, whines, chatters, growls and yelps
- Cause of Black Color
- Melanism (excess melanin)