Karnataka Spots First 'Sandalwood Leopard', Only Second Rare Big Cat In India

• Karnataka's Vijayanagara district records its first 'Sandalwood Leopard', only the second such sighting in India.
• The rare leopard features a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, a unique deviation from typical tawny leopards.
• Discovered by Sanjay Gubbi's team from Holematthi Nature Foundation via camera traps, part of ongoing leopard diversity research.
• The unique coloration is believed to be due to hypomelanism or erythrism; genetic confirmation requires molecular analysis.
• Globally, this rare color morph has been recorded only five times: twice in South Africa, once in Tanzania, and twice in India.

Why It Matters: Rare 'Sandalwood Leopard' highlights Karnataka's rich biodiversity and unique big cat genetics.