Confusion reigns among locals over animal spotted in Kudnem

BICHOLIM

The sighting of a black-coloured animal by a youth in Satichibhat area of Kudnem-Bicholim has sparked widespread discussion in the locality.

However, confusion remains over whether the animal was a black panther, a wildcat, or simply a male domestic cat.

The animal was reportedly sighted when Ganesh Malek was at the local playground for his routine morning run.

Dogs in the nearby bushes suddenly began barking aggressively. Malek noticed movement in the vegetation and spotted a long black tail.

Frightened by the barking dogs, the animal leapt onto a nearby tree and sat on a branch. Malek managed to record a video of the animal on his mobile phone. Shortly afterward, the animal climbed down from the tree and ran off toward the forested area.

Initially, speculation spread that the animal could be a “black panther,” a term commonly used to describe a melanistic leopard. Some individuals associated with the forest department also suggested that it might possibly be a black-colored leopard. In the past, leopards have been sighted in this region. A few years ago, a leopard had fallen into a well in the same area and was safely rescued by the Forest Department.

However, local resident Santosh Malek stated that there has never been any official record of a black panther sighting in this area. According to him, the animal is more likely to have been a black male domestic cat rather than a panther.

Animal lover Amrit Singh also opined that although the video footage is not very clear, it does not appear to show a black panther but rather a male domestic cat.

Officials from the forest department office at Querim as well as Bondla wildlife officials such as Vilas Gawas, reportedly stated that the animal was not a black panther but likely a domestic male cat.

International wildlife photographer Hari Somashekar, after reviewing the video, also clarified that the animal does not appear to be a black panther. 

Meanwhile, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar explained that in some wild cat species, a genetic condition known as melanism can result in a completely black coat. When melanin pigment levels are higher than normal, animals may appear entirely black. He emphasised that clearer visual evidence would be required to confirm the species of the animal.