Most people believe leopards and panthers are two different animals. But here’s the surprising truth - they’re actually the same!

The word “panther” doesn’t describe a new species at all. It’s just a nickname used for leopards or jaguars that have a completely black coat. This black colour happens because of a genetic condition called melanism, which causes their skin and fur to have extra dark pigment.

If you look closely at a black panther’s body in sunlight, you can still see the faint rosette spots of a leopard hiding under its dark fur. Cool, right?

The name also changes by region - in Asia and Africa, people call them black leopards, while in America, dark jaguars are known as black panthers.

So, the next time someone says panthers are a different species, tell them - it’s just a leopard in a darker outfit!