Ultra-Rare 'Sandalwood Leopard' Sighted in Karnataka for First Time

• An ultra-rare strawberry-coloured 'sandalwood leopard' was recorded for the first time in Karnataka's Vijayanagara district by Sanjay Gubbi and Holématthi Nature Foundation.
• The leopard displays an unusual pale reddish-pink coat with light brown rosettes, differing from typical leopards; it is a female estimated at six years old.
• Internationally known as 'Strawberry leopards', Mr. Gubbi proposes 'sandalwood leopard' due to its colour and Karnataka's heritage.
• Scientists believe the rare colour is genetic (hypomelanism or erythrism); only one similar case in India (Rajasthan 2021) and a few globally.
• The discovery highlights the conservation importance of the understudied Kalyana Karnataka region and knowledge gaps in leopard populations.

Why It Matters: First-ever 'sandalwood leopard' sighting in Karnataka reveals rare genetic morph and vital conservation needs.