Rare Black Panther Sighting Sparks Excitement in Assam's Tinsukia District

A rare black panther sighting in Assam's Tinsukia district has captivated local residents and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The elusive creature, known as ghong, was spotted at the Raidang Tea Estate, raising concerns about the increasing presence of leopards in populated areas. Wildlife experts clarify that this melanistic form of the common leopard is not a separate species. The sighting has prompted intensified monitoring by forest officials, who are taking measures to ensure safety amid growing man-animal conflicts. This event serves as a reminder of Assam's rich biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2026, 10:45 IST

Unusual Sighting in Raidang Tea Estate

Wildlife experts clarify that the so-called black panther is actually a melanistic variant of the common leopard.

Doomdooma, May 17: A brief sighting of a rare black panther has stirred a mix of fear and fascination among residents of the Hansara Division at the Raidang Tea Estate in Tinsukia district.

The elusive creature, known locally as ghong, was spotted early Thursday morning, igniting curiosity among tea estate workers and locals, especially given the recent increase in leopard sightings in the area.

Eyewitnesses reported that the animal emerged quietly from a thicket before vanishing into the underbrush. "In the morning mist, it appeared almost surreal, like a dark shadow gliding through the foliage," recounted a tea worker who claimed to have observed it from afar. "We’ve seen leopards here before, but never one that was completely black."

Following the sighting, a video allegedly showing the black panther circulated widely on social media, heightening excitement and speculation in surrounding areas.

Interestingly, just days prior, the Forest Department had captured a full-grown leopard from the same estate, raising concerns about the increasing presence of wild cats in populated regions.

Wildlife specialists indicate that the so-called black panther is not a distinct species but rather a melanistic form of the common leopard (Panthera pardus).

This unique genetic trait results in a darker coat, although the typical rosette patterns can still be faintly seen upon closer inspection. Such sightings are exceedingly rare in Assam.

Previously, confirmed black panther sightings in the Northeast were mostly limited to locations like Pakke Tiger Reserve and Manas National Park.

Recently, however, there has been a notable increase in leopard activity across various tea estates in Tinsukia district, including Raidang, Daimukhia (Roseberry), and Deohal Tea Estates. Wildlife observers attribute this trend to habitat loss, disturbances, and a declining prey population, which are pushing these animals into tea gardens in search of food and shelter.

Forest officials have announced that surveillance in the Hansara area will be heightened following this sighting. "We are actively monitoring the animal's movements. We will implement necessary measures, including camera trapping and safe rescue operations if needed," stated a forest official.

Nature enthusiasts have hailed this rare sighting as a vivid reminder of Assam's rich biodiversity, while emphasizing the urgent need for a balanced and scientific approach to address the escalating man-animal conflict in the region.

Notably, six leopards have been captured from the Raidang Tea Estate in just the past month.

Sources also reported that the same black panther was spotted again on Friday at the nearby Sandang Tea Estate by a tea garden worker.