<p>A rare melanistic leopard was sighted carrying a cub in Nayagarh district of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/odisha-special-arrangements-for-smooth-darshan-in-jagannath-temple-for-december-31-and-january-1-23455902" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Odisha</a>, said PCCF Wildlife in-charge Prem Kumar Jha on Friday, PTI reported.</p>
<p>Prem Kumar Jha said on X that these "elusive black panthers" are vital to the environment and conserving their habitat would guarantee a "thriving wildlife heritage."</p>
<p>He also said that these sightings reflect the region's remarkable biodiversity.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A rare melanistic leopard with cub has been sighted in central Odisha, reflecting the region's incredible biodiversity. These elusive "black panthers" are vital to the ecosystem-protecting their habitat ensures a thriving wildlife heritage. <a href="https://twitter.com/ForestDeptt?ref_src=twsrc-Etfw">@ForestDeptt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMO_Odisha?ref_src=twsrc-Etfw">@CMO_Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/IlwaI0qipq">pic.twitter.com/IlwaI0qipq</a></p>
&mdash; Prem Kumar Jha (@Prem_CWLWOdisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prem_CWLWOdisha/status/1875055272739364986?ref_src=twsrc-Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Mumbai: Wildlife conservationist Dr Jane Goodall praises human-leopard co-existence</h2>
<p>Legendary wildlife conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, renowned for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, praised Mumbai&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/karnataka-leopard-spotted-in-mysuru-infosys-campus-forest-dept-launches-combing-operations-23456521" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">human-leopard coexistence model</a> during a visit to the city. She also highlighted the pivotal role of young people in environmental protection.</p>
<p>Addressing state forest department officials and young conservationists at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Dr Goodall (90), emphasised, &ldquo;Young people have the power to create positive change. The youth are the future, and they must unite to lead efforts in environmental and wildlife conservation.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Dr Goodall commended Mumbai&rsquo;s unique human-leopard coexistence, stating, &ldquo;Mumbai is a prime example that shows the world how humans and wildlife can live in harmony. We must recognise that wildlife and humans are inseparable, and the only way forward is peaceful coexistence.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The 90-year-old conservationist visited India for the first time as part of her Hope Global Tour. Since November 16, she has been in Mumbai, promoting Roots &amp; Shoots, a global initiative by the Jane Goodall Institute India.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The programme united young people from diverse backgrounds with the shared mission of improving the environment. When speaking about Mumbai&rsquo;s rich biodiversity, Dr Goodall stressed, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/lets-keep-our-open-spaces-for-their-intended-purpose-23457786" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Protecting our green spaces is crucial in the face of climate change</a>. We must unite and adopt measures to mitigate this pressing issue.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The event at SGNP was attended by Dr V Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator of forests, wildlife, west; G Mallikarjun, director and chief conservator of forests at SGNP; and wildlife conservationists.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dr Goodall interacted with forest officials and on-ground staff to gain a deeper understanding of man-animal coexistence in Mumbai, where <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai-guide/things-to-do/article/all-creatures-big-and-small-23458246" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">wildlife</a> and urban life exist in a delicate yet remarkable balance. Forest staff shared their experiences and insights, underscoring the challenges and successes of managing this unique ecosystem. Through these interactions, Dr Goodall reaffirmed her commitment to sustainable conservation practices that support both human and wildlife communities.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br />(With inputs from PTI)</p><p>
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A rare melanistic leopard was sighted carrying a cub in Nayagarh district of Odisha, said PCCF Wildlife in-charge Prem Kumar Jha on Friday


Rare melanistic leopard spotted carrying cub in central Odisha; watch video

Some people trying to disturb peace in name of caste politics, says PM Modi

Jha said that these sightings reflect the region's remarkable biodiversity


Odisha: Rare melanistic leopard spotted in Nayagarh district

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