Guwahati: The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Assam, on Saturday shared a rare glimpse of a melanistic black panther from Manas National Park, calling the elusive big cat the “Ghost Rider at Manas” in a post on X.
Accompanied by striking visuals, the post celebrated the remarkable biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and highlighted the park’s significance as one of India’s richest wildlife habitats.
“The Ghost Rider at Manas!… where the elusive melanistic black panther quietly steals the show. A rare glimpse into the wild that reminds us why Manas remains one of India’s most extraordinary forests,” the CMO wrote.
The sighting has generated excitement among wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and conservationists, as melanistic black panthers are rarely seen in the wild due to their secretive behaviour and limited population. Commonly referred to as the “ghost of the forest,” the animal is known for its striking black coat caused by melanism, a rare genetic variation that results in excess pigmentation.
The rare appearance has once again drawn attention to the ecological richness of Manas National Park, which is home to a diverse range of endangered and iconic species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard and golden langur.
Through the post, the Assam government also reiterated its commitment to conserving the state’s rich natural heritage while promoting Manas as a premier destination for wildlife tourism and nature-based travel.
The latest sighting is expected to further boost interest in the national park, reinforcing Assam’s growing reputation as one of India’s leading eco-tourism destinations and a stronghold for wildlife conservation.