Black Panther Captured on Camera for First Time in Assam's Dulung Reserve Forest

A rare black panther has been recorded for the first time in Assam's Dulung Reserve Forest in Lakhimpur district, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in the northeastern state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development on Monday, revealing that the elusive big cat was captured on a camera trap installed in the reserve forest. Sharing the news on social media platform X, Sarma described the sighting as a “rare and remarkable” moment for Assam's wildlife.

The chief minister said the presence of the black panther underscores the ecological importance of Assam's reserve forests and reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts aimed at protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. The sighting is particularly noteworthy because it represents the first documented photographic evidence of a black panther in Dulung Reserve Forest.

Wildlife experts note that black panthers in India are not a separate species but melanistic leopards , animals that possess an unusually high concentration of the pigment melanin, giving them their distinctive dark appearance. Such animals are rarely seen in the wild due to their elusive behaviour and low population density.

The discovery comes just weeks after another rare black panther sighting was reported from Assam's Manas National Park, highlighting the state's rich biodiversity and the growing effectiveness of wildlife monitoring initiatives . Conservationists believe these sightings could indicate that Assam's forests support a wider distribution of melanistic leopards than previously documented.

Dulung Reserve Forest, located in Upper Assam's Lakhimpur district, is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The latest wildlife conservation milestone is expected to strengthen future research, habitat protection measures and conservation programmes across the region.