UPSC Articles
Black panther spotted in Goa’s Netravali Sanctuary.
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity
In News:
- A black panther has been captured on camera in Goa’s Netravali Sanctuary for the first time.
Important value additions:
Black Panther
Image source: The Indian Express
- It is the melanistic (increased development of the dark-colored pigment) colour variant of any Panthera, particularly of the leopard in Asia and Africa, and the jaguar in the Americas.
- It is very difficult to detect/spot.
- It is mostly found in densely forested areas of southern India.
- IUCN status: Vulnerable
Image source: Click here
- It is located in South Eastern Goa.
- It constitutes one of the vital corridors of the Western Ghats.
- It is bounded by Cotigao wildlife sanctuary on the eastern side and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park on the northern side.
- Netravali is an important tributary of River Zuari, which originates in the sanctuary.
- It has two important waterfalls namely, Savari and Mainapi.
- It consists of moist deciduous forests interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
Miscellaneous
Naku La
- It is a pass in North Sikkim at an altitude of more than 5,000 metres above Mean Sea Level.
- Recently, Indian and Chinese Troops clashed near the pass which lead to many injuries.
