Historic Wildlife Sighting: Two black leopards caught on camera in Kurseong forests

Two elusive black leopards were captured together on camera in Bengal’s Kurseong forests. (Image: X/@ParveenKaswan)

• Two black leopards were photographed together in Kurseong, North Bengal.
• This is the first confirmed sighting of black leopards in West Bengal.
• Scientists hail major wildlife record, urge further research and conservation.

Did our AI summary help?

Deep inside the misty forests of North Bengal, 2 hunters briefly revealed themselves. A hidden camera in Kurseong forest division captured an image that stunned wildlife scientists. Two black leopards, walking together, appeared in the same frame for the first time. This rare moment is now being called one of India’s most extraordinary wildlife records.

Location of this Rare Sighting

The sighting took place in the Kurseong forest region, located in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. This area lies within the fragile Himalayan foothills, rich in biodiversity and dense vegetation. More than 20 camera traps operate here to monitor animal movement and health. One of these silent devices recorded history.

The black panthers of North Bengal. These beauties from Kurseong hills. pic.twitter.com/jiKf7nOMnc

— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) January 25, 2026

What Are Black Leopards?

Black leopards are not a separate species, nor are they different animals altogether. They are ordinary leopards carrying a rare genetic mutation called melanism, which produces excess dark pigmentation in their fur.

Because of this mutation, their bodies appear completely black, although their classic rosette patterns can still be seen under strong light. Only a tiny fraction of leopards in the wild develop this mysterious trait.

Have Black Leopards Been Seen in Bengal Earlier?

For decades, North Bengal’s forests have whispered stories of dark, moving shadows. Villagers, trekkers, and forest guards occasionally spoke of “black panthers” slipping through tea gardens and mountain trails. But most of these accounts remained unverified.

This new photograph changes everything. It becomes the first solid evidence that black leopards are not just myths here, but living residents of these forests.

How scientists See this Rare Discovery? 

Many researchers describe this moment as a “scientific checkpoint”. It shows that conservation efforts have not failed. Some experts believe this region may serve as a hidden genetic refuge for melanistic leopards.

DFO Devesh Pandey said, "The presence of several melanistic (black) animals and insects in such a small forested area is significant. It is possible that they developed rare adaptive traits and this needs detailed research. We have started awareness drives among residents on wildlife conservation and are planning to expand digital surveillance in more forest areas".

A Region Known for Unusual Wildlife Patterns

Kurseong’s forests are not ordinary. Scientists have long noticed strange biological patterns here. Previous studies have recorded many other rare animal sightings such as: black deer, black tarantulas and black striped civets.  Such clustering of rare traits is extremely uncommon. Researchers believe this region’s climate, altitude and forest structure create special evolutionary pressures.