The mystery of four cubs of a wild cat found in the forests near Kudremani village under Belagavi range recently has been solved.
The cubs have been identified to be of a black leopard, according the wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi.
The two pairs of young cubs were found on Sunday and the villagers had immediately informed forest officials. However, the officials visited the area later in the evening and avoided entering the forest fearing the presence of parent leopards.
On Monday, the forest officials visited the village and the spot but could not find any wild cats.
Later, when contacted, Mr. Gubbi, said, “They are very young black leopard cubs. Leopards are also called as panthers and they are not different species. It’s a melanistic leopard (black panther)”.
Movements of leopards and black panthers have been noticed in Khanapur forests and in the forest areas between three adjoining taluks of Khanapur, Belagavi of Belagavi district and Chandgad taluk of Maharashtra.
The presence of black panther and leopard has scared villagers as the predator is known for preying on cattle and other small animals like dogs.
