What is a melanistic leopard, and where can you spot it in India?
The melanistic leopard is the same Indian leopard, but cloaked in darkness by a genetic twist called melanism. Scientists estimate that 11% of India’s leopards show melanism, though spotting one in the wild is rare enough to spark headlines. Among the handful of places where the shadow cat has been recorded, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka holds a special reputation.