SUMMARY
Wildlife photographer Matan Sharon and his tour group encountered a family of melanistic Indian leopards, commonly called black panthers, in Manas National Park. These rare big cats, resulting from a genetic mutation causing excess dark pigment, are found in South and Southeast Asian rainforests. The group observed two cubs, with one looking directly into Sharon's lens, followed by the mother returning to feed them. Sharon also noted the intelligence of the mother leopard in choosing a safe location for her cubs.
TAKEAWAYS
Photographer Matan Sharon encountered a family of melanistic Indian leopards in Manas National Park.
Melanistic leopards, or black panthers, are rare due to a genetic mutation causing excess dark pigment.
The encounter included observing two cubs and their mother, with one cub looking directly into the camera.
The photographer also noted the mother leopard's intelligence in selecting a safe environment for her cubs.