Leopard (Black Panther)

Description:

This coloration of a leopard arises from a recessive trait, melanism. Close examination of the color of these black cats will show that the typical markings are still present, but are hidden by the excess black pigment melanin, giving an effect similar to that of printed silk. This is called "ghost striping". Melanistic and non-melanistic animals can be littermates. It is thought that melanism may confer a selective advantage under certain conditions since it is more common in regions of dense forest, where light levels are lower. Recent, preliminary studies also suggest that melanism might be linked to beneficial mutations in the immune system.

Habitat:

Black leopards are reported in most densely forested areas in southwestern China, Myanmar, Assam and Nepal, from Travancore and other parts of southern India, and are said to be common in Java and the southern part of the Malay Peninsula where they may be more numerous than spotted leopards.They are less common in tropical Africa, but have been reported in Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), in the forests of Mount Kenya and in the Aberdares. in the equatorial forest of Cameroon. Fur color is a mixture of blue, black, gray, and purple.

Notes:

Spotted at the "Jungle World" exhibit of the Bronx Zoo