Rare Melanistic Leopard Cat Discovered in Sunderbans After a Decade!

• A rare Melanistic Leopard Cat, not a tiger, was captured by trap cameras in the Sunderbans, causing a stir among scientists.
• These dark-colored leopard cats, due to genetic variation, are considered extremely rare in the Indian Sunderbans.
• Images were captured in 6 locations, including Dhulibhasani, Herobhanga, and Ajmalmari areas of Raidighi Range during the 2024-25 National Tiger Census.
• Researchers Rajendra Jakhar, Justin Jones, and Debajyoti Ghosh are investigating this nocturnal and elusive animal.
• First sighted in 2012, a significant population has now been rediscovered after a decade, prompting new research into the Sunderbans ecosystem.

Why It Matters: Sunderbans reveals a rare Melanistic Leopard Cat population, sparking new scientific interest.