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Leopard Mother's Intelligent Return Stuns Photographers
30 Jun
Summary
- Rare melanistic leopard cubs were spotted in Manas National Park.
- The mother leopard returned to feed her cubs, showing remarkable intelligence.
- The photographer captured a unique moment of the leopard looking into his lens.
An exceptional wildlife encounter unfolded in Manas National Park, nestled in the Himalayan foothills of northeastern India. Photographer Matan Sharon and his tour group observed a family of elusive melanistic leopards, commonly known as black panthers.
These rare big cats, comprising only 10% of leopards globally, possess a genetic mutation causing dark pigmentation. The sighting occurred shortly after sunset, with two cubs emerging from a tea plantation, one of which famously looked directly into Sharon's camera lens.
The experience became even more profound when the mother leopard returned to nourish her cubs. Sharon noted her intelligence, observing how she strategically chose a safe location and adeptly managed her presence around humans.
Manas National Park, a region Sharon described as magical, also hosts other notable wildlife, including greater one-horned rhinos and Indian elephants.
