Rare sightings of black leopards in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra are on the rise, particularly in the dense forests of the Sahyadri ranges. The sightings recently have sparked interest among wildlife experts and conservationists.

Traditionally considered elusive and difficult to spot, black leopards are referred to as 'melanistic leopards'. Despite being a very rare wild cat, they are now being reported more frequently in high-rainfall regions such as Tilari, Radhanagari, and parts of the Ratnagiri district.