By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: In a significant boost to wildlife conservation in Assam, a Black Panther has been photographed for the first time in Lakhimpur district’s Dulung Reserve Forest through a camera trap installed by forest authorities.
The development was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday through a post on social media platform X. Describing the discovery as a landmark achievement, the Chief Minister said the rare sighting highlights the growing success of conservation efforts in the state.
A Black Panther is a melanistic variant of the leopard and is known for its dark coat, making it one of the most elusive big cats in the wild. Due to its secretive nature and low visibility, documented sightings are uncommon, particularly in northeastern India.
Forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts have welcomed the discovery, viewing it as evidence of the ecological richness of the Dulung Reserve Forest. The presence of such a rare predator suggests that the habitat continues to support a healthy prey base and maintains conditions necessary for the survival of large carnivores.
The sighting is also expected to draw attention to the conservation value of the reserve forest, which forms part of Assam’s diverse network of protected and forested landscapes.
Wildlife experts often consider top predators as indicators of environmental health, as their survival depends on balanced ecosystems and well-preserved habitats. The camera trap image is therefore being seen as a positive sign for biodiversity conservation in the region.
The latest discovery adds to a series of encouraging developments in Assam’s wildlife sector and reinforces the importance of continued efforts to protect forests, safeguard natural habitats and preserve the state’s rich biological heritage for future generations.