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1. Black panthers aren’t a separate species
Even though their black fur sets them apart visually from other big cats, black panthers are not a separate species.
The term “black panther” actually refers to leopards and jaguars with a lot of melanin, – a biomolecule that gives them their dark color. Aside from their coat, they’re the same as their more colorful counterparts.
2. Black panthers have a spotted coat
While you might not see them unless you look closely, black panthers have spots on their fur, just like their more colorful siblings.
The so-called rosettes just aren’t very visible as the surrounding hairs are much darker than in regular jaguars or leopards. In bright sunlight, the spots will become more apparent.
3. Black panthers use their dark fur to their advantage
Black panthers can mainly be found in tropical rainforests, where they blend in with the dense undergrowth just as well as their more colorful siblings.
Jungle cats usually hunt during twilight and at night, which is where black fur comes in handy. As black panthers are extra hard to spot, they are excellent hunters.
4. Black panthers aren’t super rare
You would think that there are barely any black panthers around but in fact, up to 11 percent of all leopards and jaguars might have a black coat. What’s really rare, though, are confirmed sightings, especially of black leopards.
Jungle cats are already hard to spot, and thanks to their dark coat, black panthers blend in even better, which is why they’re so rarely seen. In 2019, a black leopard was photographed in Kenya, which was the first time one had been captured on camera in 110 years.
5. The black panther has a special status in various cultures
In early ancient Egypt, black panthers were sacrificed to the gods as the deities were believed to wear the animal’s skin as clothing.
In the Roman empire, melanistic leopards were imported all the way from Africa, only for them to participate in often gruesome public games and gladiatorial fights.
Even today, black panthers represent courage and personal leadership, and in various African cultures, the animals are seen as the protectors of the universe.
