Andhra's Indira Gandhi Zoo

Andhra's Indira Gandhi Zoo gets Black Panther after 40 years
A cheque of Rs 1,25,000 has been donated for the adoption of the Black Panther for a period of one year, from April 21, 2026 to April 20, 2027 under the Animal Adoption Scheme of IGZP.

•  Recently, a female Black Panther was introduced at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) after a gap of 40 years. 
•  It was brought under an Animal Exchange Programme from the Assam State Zoo. 
Black Panther
•  Scientific name is Panthera pardus, and it belongs to the Felidae family, which includes all cats. 
•  The lion, tiger, and jaguar also belong to the genus Panthera. 
•  The snow leopard (ounce), leopard cat, and clouded leopard, although called leopards, are distinct genera.
•  Melanism results from excess melanin, giving the animal a dark, almost black coat, which provides effective camouflage in dense vegetation.
•  The Black Panther is not a separate species; rather, it is a melanistic variant of the leopard, meaning it has a dark coloration due to excess melanin. 
•  Black Panthers are commonly found in dense tropical forests, where thick vegetation supports their survival. 
•  In India, they are primarily associated with the Western Ghats, which is a major biodiversity hotspot. 
•  They are also found in parts of Northeast India, where suitable forest habitats exist. 
•  These animals prefer areas with thick vegetation, as it provides effective camouflage and helps them remain concealed while hunting.