Melanistic leopard found injured on Arunachal highway, shifted to zoo for treatment

A rare melanistic leopard was found injured on December 6, along the Tezu-Sunpura road in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district, likely the victim of a vehicular collision. The majestic creature was crossing the highway when it met with the accident.

However, the injured animal has now been shifted to Roing Zoo by the forest officials, where it is currently undergoing medical treatment.  

This species, often seen as a symbol of the state’s rich biodiversity, had been previously spotted on March 11 this year, in the Pakke Tiger Reserve’s Rilloh Wildlife Range, located in East Kameng district. 

The loss of this leopard highlights the growing threat to wildlife due to expanding human activity and infrastructure, particularly highways cutting through sensitive ecological zones.