Rare Melanistic Spotted Deer Sighted at Umred–Pauni–Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary

In a rare and fascinating sighting, a melanistic (black-colored) spotted deer, commonly known as a chital, has been spotted at the Umred–Pauni–Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary near Nagpur.

The unusual appearance of the deer, caused by a genetic condition called melanism that results in excess dark pigmentation, has drawn significant attention from wildlife enthusiasts and forest officials alike.According to sources, the rare deer was observed during routine monitoring inside the sanctuary.

While chitals are typically recognized for their reddish-brown coat with white spots, the melanistic variant appears dark or almost black, making such sightings extremely uncommon. Forest officials have termed the sighting as significant, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary and the need for continued conservation efforts in the region.

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