Nature Encyclopedia

  Introduction Close-up of a Black Panther face The Black Panther is not a separate animal species. Instead, it is the common name for melanistic leopards ( Panthera pardus ) in Africa and Asia and melanistic jaguars ( Panthera onca ) in the Americas. Their dark appearance is caused by a genetic condition called melanism , which produces excess black pigment. Although their fur appears completely black, the characteristic rosette patterns of leopards and jaguars are still visible in bright sunlight. Black Panthers are powerful, solitary predators that inhabit dense forests, rainforests, and swamps. Their dark coloration provides excellent camouflage, especially during nighttime hunting. Scientific Classification Rank Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Felidae Genus Panthera Species Panthera pardus or Panthera onca Quick Facts Feature Information Common Name Black Panther Scientific Name Panthera pardus / Panthera onca...