Reports by FLAAR Mesoamerica
on Flora & Fauna of Parque Nacional Yaxha Nakum Naranjo
Peten, Guatemala, Central America


Black panthers in Guatemala?

Posted September 28, 2015

Although they are called “black panthers” in fact they are melanistic jaguars. The spots are still fully present (just hard to notice if the surrounding far is dark).

So black panthers (black jaguars) are natural and native to Guatemala (and to all the other parts of the New World where jaguars roam the rain forests).

We will be visiting a black panther this week and look forward to the experience.

black jaguar panther illustration update jaguar pattern flaar image JS

Black jaguars come in “solid black” and gray (of various darknesses, depending on the DNA heritage). Even in “solid black” jaguars, the spots are still visible if you realize the spots are there. If you think it is a black panther, you will not notice the spots (until someone points them out).

Drawing by Josefina Sequen, Kakchiquel Mayan intern at FLAAR; both scientific illustrator and cartoon illustrator. Electronic drawing using pen tablet, based on photos available on the Internet (since black jaguars are rare in Guatemala).

Our storyboards show black panthers, gray jaguars, white jaguars, and regular jaguars to make the point that “species come in all colors, and to assume one color is king and the other color is not worthy is both egotistical and biologically not always accurate.”

 

black-panther-melanistic-jaguar-animals-of-Guatemala-Mexico-Belize-FAE-Izabal 2253

A black panther is actually a melanistic jaguar, a jaguar with a special gene(s). All spots are fully present, but can only be seen in certain angles of light. Head tends to look the most solid black. We appreciate the hospitality of the staff at FAE (Fundacion Protectora de Animales en Vias de Extincion).

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