‘Sandalwood Leopard’ Colour Morph

Why in News?

Karnataka has recorded its first-ever sighting of an ultra-rare leopard colour morph. It is informally termed the “Sandalwood Leopard.” This marks only the second confirmed instance in India. The discovery was made in Vijayanagara district, drawing attention to the region’s ecological richness.

---

Rare Colour Morph “Sandalwood Leopard” Spotted in Vijayanagara

The Sandalwood Leopard displays a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, sharply contrasting with the typical tawny-yellow coat and black rosettes of Indian leopards.

• The animal is a female, estimated to be 6–7 years old
• Captured through camera traps during field surveys
• Later photographed with a cub having normal tawny coloration, indicating the trait is not commonly inherited

Such colour morphs are extremely rare in wild big cat populations.

---

Discovery by Conservation Researchers

The sighting was documented by wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi and his team from the Holematthi Nature Foundation.

• Part of a broader study on leopard population distribution and diversity
• Focus area: Kalyana-Karnataka region
• Objective: Identifying key conservation landscapes and understanding leopard adaptability

Researchers emphasised that genetic confirmation would require molecular analysis using non-invasive samples such as scat or hair.

---

Possible Genetic Explanation

Experts suggest the unusual coloration may be due to:

• Hypomelanism – reduced melanin causing lighter pigmentation
• Erythrism – excessive reddish pigmentation

While melanistic leopards (black panthers) are relatively common in parts of Karnataka, this reddish-pink morph is exceptionally rare, both in India and globally.

---

Conclusion

The Sandalwood Leopard sighting reinforces the ecological value of Karnataka’s landscapes and the need to conserve genetic diversity within species, not just population numbers. Protecting such rare traits strengthens ecosystem resilience and enriches India’s natural heritage.

---

---