71 images Created 25 Sep 2024
Kenya _1 (New 2024)
What is a melanistic leopard? Melanism in leopards, or cats is a genetic trait resulting in increased or nearly black pigmentation in their skin or hair. It's caused by a genetic mutation that produces more black pigment than orange-tan pigment. It can occur in leopards, servals, ocelots, and jaguars. There are at least 14 species of wild cats that can exhibit melanism. Melanistic leopards and jaguars are often referred to as black panthers but a black panther is not a separate species of big cat, rather, it is a non-official name often given to big cats that have dark coloring. Melanistic leopards have spots or rosettes the same as the golden cats and the rosettes are visible in proper light. Yellow/gold leopards and jaguars can give birth to black cubs and the same is true of the opposite. Black leopards can give birth to yellow/gold cubs. Black leopards are rare to find and Kenya is home to just a few.
