Rare Melanistic Leopard

RARE BLACK MELANISTIC LEOPARD STUNS PHOTOGRAPHER AFTER YEARS OF SEARCHING

WITH PIX AND VID

BY SHUK YEE TSANG

These breathtaking images and videos capture one of Africa's rarest predators, a melanistic black leopard known locally as Giza.

Wildlife enthusiast Hari Kumar Prasannakumar, an IT manager based in Edinburgh, Scotland, finally captured a dream years in the making when he came face-to-face with the elusive big cat in Laikipia, Kenya.

Known as Giza, the female black leopard is one of the most sought-after wildlife sightings in Africa.

Her dark coat gives her an almost mythical appearance, while her hidden rosette markings can still be seen when the light catches her fur.

The remarkable footage shows the rare predator moving silently through the Kenyan landscape, her piercing eyes fixed on her surroundings.

Hari travelled to Laikipia after a safari in the Maasai Mara, undertaking a 12-hour drive specifically in the hope of spotting the elusive cat.

The photographer had spent years researching black leopards, following reports from guides and photographers, watching documentaries and collecting images of melanistic leopards as part of his long-running fascination with the animals.

His persistence paid off during his very first game drive in Laikipia when Giza suddenly appeared near his vehicle.

Black leopards are not a separate species but melanistic forms of leopards, carrying a genetic mutation that produces excess dark pigmentation.

Hari said: "For years I dreamed of this moment.

"Four or five years of tracking, waiting, hoping, following footprints, whispers and stories of a shadow that moves like a myth. Then finally there was Giza.

"A creature so rare that most people will only ever see her in photographs, if at all. But here she was, looking straight into my eyes.

"Seven years ago, I picked up a camera and a dream, to one day see a black leopard in the wild.

"Since then, it's been countless safaris, thousands of documentaries, endless calls with guides and photographers, and a separate gallery on my phone dedicated only to black leopards.

"After a successful Mara trip, we drove 12 long hours to Laikipia for one reason: Giza.

"We arrived in the afternoon and rushed straight out for the evening drive.

"Suddenly there was movement near a tree and everyone shouted, 'A leopard!'

"I was desperately searching and asking, 'Where is Giza? Where is Giza?'

"Then, like a shadow, she appeared in my frame.

"For the next hour I was just trying to absorb a dream coming true.

"I still can't believe how lucky I was to witness her — this rare masterpiece of nature.

"Moments like this remind me why I chase the wild, because sometimes the wild looks right back at you.

The images have attracted admiration online from wildlife enthusiasts around the world.

One commenter wrote: "Magnificent set of photos."

Another said: "What an incredible moment we witnessed."

A third added: "That close-up of the black panther is incredible! The detail in its fur and those piercing eyes are mesmerising. What a powerful creature."

END