Guwahati: Assam has recorded its first-ever sighting of a Black Panther in the Lakhimpur district. Forest authorities captured the rare animal on camera in the Dulung Reserve Forest, marking a significant milestone for regional wildlife conservation.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the news on social media, calling the discovery a landmark achievement. He stated, "the rare sighting highlights the growing success of conservation efforts in the state."
A Black Panther is a melanistic variation of a leopard, recognized by its distinct dark coat and elusive behavior. Documented sightings remain rare in northeastern India, making this camera trap footage particularly valuable to researchers. Experts view the presence of such a top predator as a positive indicator of the area's ecological health and suggest that the forest maintains a strong prey base capable of supporting large carnivores.
This discovery underscores the importance of the Dulung Reserve Forest within Assam's broader network of protected landscapes. Wildlife officials believe the finding validates ongoing efforts to preserve natural habitats and maintain the biological diversity of the region.
Photo Courtesy: nenow

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