Syllabus: Prelims, GS 3
Key Highlights:
A rare black panther (melanistic leopard) has been sighted in Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. It is a rare wildlife event due to the low population of melanistic leopards in India. The sighting is significant for biodiversity documentation and wildlife conservation efforts.
About Black Panthers (Melanistic Leopards):
- It is a melanistic variant of the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca).
- Caused by genetic mutation leading to excess melanin.
- Mostly found in – Western Ghats, Northeast India and Odisha (Similipal Tiger Reserve – famous for black tigers and black leopards).
- Habitat: Dense tropical rainforest, grasslands and mountainous regions.
- Distribution: Southwest China, Southern India, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia and Burma.
- Within India: Kabini forest (Karnataka), Nagarhole National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley, Sundarbans, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Manas National Park.
Significance of the Sighting:
- Indicates a healthy prey base and good habitat quality in Pakke Tiger Reserve.
- Highlights Arunachal Pradesh as a biodiversity hotspot.
- Provides important data for wildlife monitoring and conservation research.
About Pakke Tiger Reserve:
- Established in 1966, it is located in East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
- Area: ~862 sq. km.
- It is bound by the Kameng river in the west and north and Pakke river in the east. In the south and south-east, it adjoins reserve forests and Assam’s Nameri National Park.
- Part of Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot.
- Noted for:
- Tigers, clouded leopards, Asiatic black bears.
- Hornbill species (Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill).
- Awarded India Biodiversity Awards (2016) for ‘Conservation of threatened species for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme’ through a community-based initiative.
Prelims MCQ:
Q. With reference to the recent sighting of a Black Panther in Pakke Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements:
- Black Panthers are melanistic variants of the Indian leopard caused by excess melanin due to genetic mutation.
- Pakke Tiger Reserve is a part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot and shares boundaries with Assam’s Nameri National Park.
- Melanistic leopards in India are mostly restricted to the Western Ghats and do not occur in Northeast India.
- Pakke Tiger Reserve received the India Biodiversity Award (2016) for a community-based Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Correct Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Black Panther = melanistic Indian leopard due to excess melanin.
- Statement 2 – Correct: Pakke TR is part of Eastern Himalayas hotspot and adjoins Nameri NP.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: Black Panthers are found in Northeast India (including Pakke, Manas).
- Statement 4 – Correct: Received India Biodiversity Award 2016 for Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.
Source: Assam Tribune
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