Black Panther Pictured By Remote Cameras In Laikipia County
Updated on: Feb 25, 2019
The big cat, also known as a black panther, was pictured by remote cameras in Laikipia County which were set up to study the dynamics of leopard populations after reports of sightings in the area.
The sightings in Laikipia County are particularly significant as black panthers have previously been spotted more commonly in dense forest, where the darker leopards camouflage would appear to be most effective.
Black leopards are a result of a genetic mutation called melanism.It causes the animals coat to appear completely black in daytime, though their distinctive pattern is visible in infrared footage.
The sightings in Laikipia County are particularly significant as black panthers have previously been spotted more commonly in dense forest, where the darker leopards camouflage would appear to be most effective.
Black leopards are a result of a genetic mutation called melanism.It causes the animals coat to appear completely black in daytime, though their distinctive pattern is visible in infrared footage.
