A mesmerising video of a black panther from North Bengal has gone viral on social media, captivating wildlife enthusiasts. Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan shared the footage, describing the panther as “Bagheera of Kurseong” and lauding its rare beauty. The video shows the elusive creature emerging from the dense forest, calmly crossing a road and pausing to observe onlookers filming its graceful presence.

The black panther, a melanistic variant of the leopard (Panthera pardus), owes its striking dark coat to melanism, a genetic condition that causes excess pigmentation. Under certain lighting, the animal’s iconic leopard rosettes are faintly visible beneath the dark fur, adding to its allure.

In India, black panthers inhabit tropical forests in regions such as Karnataka’s Kabini Forests, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and parts of the Northeast. These solitary and elusive predators are rarely spotted, making each sighting a significant event. Known for their vital role as apex predators, black panthers help maintain ecological balance in their habitats.

However, their existence remains threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and poaching, underscoring the need for stronger conservation efforts. As one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures, the black panther continues to inspire awe and admiration while reminding us of the urgent need to protect India’s diverse wildlife.