Current Affairs - State - Discussion

The rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ was recorded for the first time in Karnataka, marking a significant event in Indian wildlife documentation. This unique strawberry-coloured leopard was observed in the Vijayanagara district and represents only the second such sighting in the country. The leopard’s unusual pale reddish-pink coat is believed to result from rare genetic conditions such as hypomelanism or erythrism, which affect pigmentation. The sighting was documented by conservationist Sanjay Gubbi along with the Holematthi Nature Foundation, highlighting Karnataka’s rich biodiversity and importance in wildlife conservation.