Rare Wildlife Record in Karnataka
Karnataka’s First Sandalwood Leopard Discovery: Karnataka has recorded its first-ever sighting of a strawberry-coloured leopard, informally named the Sandalwood Leopard. This ultra-rare colour morph was documented in Vijayanagara district, marking a major milestone in India’s wildlife records. The discovery has drawn national and global attention due to its extreme rarity.
This is only the second recorded instance in India, with the first sighting reported from Rajasthan in 2021. The event reinforces Karnataka’s position as a critical landscape for big cat conservation.
Understanding the Sandalwood Leopard
Leopards typically possess a tawny-yellow coat with black rosettes, which aids camouflage in forested habitats. The Sandalwood Leopard, however, exhibits a pale reddish-pink or strawberry-coloured coat with light brown rosettes. This striking appearance sets it apart from typical leopard phenotypes.
Scientifically, such leopards are referred to as strawberry leopards. Researchers associate this coloration with rare genetic conditions such as hypomelanism, which involves reduced dark pigmentation, or erythrism, marked by excess red pigmentation. These traits are extremely uncommon in wild populations.
Static GK fact: Colour morphs in wild animals result from genetic variations affecting pigment production, not from environmental factors alone.
Location and Method of Discovery
The rare leopard was captured using camera traps installed in Vijayanagara district, a region known for rocky hills and dry deciduous forests. The monitoring exercise was part of long-term wildlife research in the area. Camera trapping remains one of the most reliable non-invasive methods for studying elusive carnivores.
The leopard is believed to be a seven-year-old female. One image also revealed her alongside a cub with a normal coat colour, indicating that the genetic trait may not always be inherited.
Static GK Tip: Camera traps are extensively used in India’s wildlife census programs, including national tiger and leopard population estimates.
National and Global Rarity
Globally, this colour morph has been documented only five times. Two records exist from South Africa, one from Tanzania, and two from India. The earlier Indian sighting occurred in Ranakpur, Rajasthan, in November 2021.
Such low numbers underline the exceptional rarity of the Sandalwood Leopard. Each documented case adds valuable data for understanding genetic diversity in large carnivores.
Significance for Leopard Diversity in Karnataka
Karnataka is already renowned for its high population of melanistic leopards, commonly known as black panthers. The addition of a strawberry-coloured leopard further highlights the genetic richness and adaptability of leopards in the region.
These discoveries play a crucial role in shaping long-term conservation strategies. They help scientists study evolution, population genetics, and the resilience of species in changing environments.
Static GK fact: Leopards are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, providing them the highest level of legal protection in India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Karnataka’s First Sandalwood Leopard Discovery:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | First sighting of Sandalwood Leopard in Karnataka |
| Location | Vijayanagara district |
| Colour Morph | Strawberry or pale reddish-pink |
| Scientific Basis | Hypomelanism or erythrism |
| Global Records | Five cases worldwide |
| Indian Records | Rajasthan (2021) and Karnataka (2026) |
| Conservation Insight | Highlights genetic diversity |
| Monitoring Method | Camera trap documentation |
