Black panther's night out with 2 leopards in Nilgiris stuns Internet. Watch rare video

India Today

18-07-2025

Wildlife enthusiasts were treated to a rare glimpse from the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu after a video of a black panther walking alongside two spotted leopards went viral on social media.The 29-second clip, shared by Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan, offered a rare look at these elusive creatures moving together in the wild.The clip shows two typically patterned leopards walking side by side with a melanistic leopard, commonly known as a black panther. Such a sighting is exceptionally rare as these cats are usually solitary.advertisement
Sharing the video in a post on X, Kaswan wrote, 'Bagheera (black panther) and other friends for a night walk on the roads of Nilgiris. What a rare thing.'Take a look at Kaswan's post here:Watch the video here: In a follow-up post, Kaswan explained that black panthers are not a separate species but a melanistic variation of the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus).Melanism is a genetic condition that results in dark pigmentation, which gives the panther its striking black coat. Under certain lighting, the signature rosettes of leopards are faintly visible on their fur.'In India, a black panther is a melanistic variant of the common leopard (Panthera pardus). These animals appear black due to a genetic condition called melanism, which results in excess dark pigmentation. Despite their dark coats, their characteristic leopard rosettes are often visible under certain lighting conditions,' he said.Kaswan further pointed out that these big cats face severe threats from habitat loss and poaching, which makes conservation crucial for their survival.'They are often found with normal leopard also. But here documentation of a melanistic with two normal is rare. Conservation efforts are vital for their survival, as they face threats like habitat loss and poaching,' he added.Several social media users reshared the clip, believed to have been filmed around midnight on July 16. The rare sight ignited admiration and nostalgia online. 'I remember Bagheera from Mowgli. Such a cute character,' a user said, while another quipped, 'It seems they are on an important mission.'See what users are saying here:The Nilgiris, part of the Western Ghats and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.- Ends