Guwahati: A rare sighting of a melanistic black panther at Manas National Park has drawn widespread attention after the Chief Minister’s Office, Assam, shared stunning visuals of the elusive big cat on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as the “Ghost Rider at Manas.”
In the post shared around three hours ago, the Chief Minister’s Office highlighted the extraordinary sighting, stating, “The Ghost Rider at Manas!… where the elusive melanistic black panther quietly steals the show. A rare glimpse into the wild that reminds us why Manas remains one of India’s most extraordinary forests.”
The melanistic black panther, known for its distinctive dark coat and secretive behaviour, is rarely spotted in the wild, making the sighting a significant moment for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and conservationists. Often referred to as the “ghost of the forest,” the animal remains one of the most elusive predators found in India’s forests.
The Chief Minister’s Office also highlighted the exceptional biodiversity of Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich ecosystem and conservation success. The park is home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant and the golden langur, making it one of India’s most important wildlife habitats.
The post further reaffirmed the Assam government’s commitment to protecting the state’s unique biodiversity through continued conservation efforts while promoting sustainable eco-tourism. Officials noted that such rare wildlife sightings underscore the ecological importance of Manas National Park and the need to preserve its forests and habitats for future generations.
The remarkable glimpse of the elusive black panther has since received widespread appreciation on social media, with many praising Assam’s conservation initiatives and the rich natural heritage preserved within Manas National Park.
