Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News?

Recently, a black melanistic leopard cub was spotted near the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal.

About Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary

Location and Establishment

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in West Bengal, in the Darjeeling hills. It is among the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India and was established in 1915.

The sanctuary lies within the Gangetic Plain biogeographic zone and forms the south-eastern extension of Singalila National Park.

Topography and Elevation

The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from approximately 1,500 to 2,600 metres, or around 4,900–8,500 feet.

Vegetation

The sanctuary is characterised mainly by temperate and alpine forests. Important trees found in the area include oak, pine and birch, along with various other forest species and plantations.

Fauna

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat to several species of mammals, including the barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Indian leopard, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, Assam macaque and Himalayan flying squirrel.

The presence of the Indian leopard is particularly relevant in the context of the recent sighting of a melanistic leopard cub.

What is Melanism?

Melanism refers to an unusually high development or concentration of the dark pigment melanin, resulting in a darker appearance of the skin, hair, fur or feathers of an organism.

It is generally associated with genetic variation or mutation. Environmental factors have also been suggested as possible influences on pigmentation in some organisms.

Melanistic Leopard

A melanistic leopard is a leopard possessing a genetic trait that causes its coat to appear very dark or almost completely black.

Importantly, melanistic leopards are still leopards, and their characteristic rosette patterns may remain visible under suitable lighting.