Report dated: October 18, 2026 | 7:38 pm IST
Kurseong: A rare melanistic barking deer has been photographed again in Dow Hill forest in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, delighting visitors and prompting increased forest surveillance.
According to Bartaman Patrika, a tourist spotted the dark-coated deer while trekking with a group and captured several photographs. The report did not specify the sighting’s exact date or time.
Another Sighting After January Record
Kurseong divisional forest officer Debesh Pandey had photographed a black barking deer in the area earlier this year. The latest observation provides another record of the unusual colour form.
It has not been established whether the photographs show the same individual.
A Colour Variation, Not a Separate Species
The animal was identified as a melanistic barking deer. Melanism produces unusually dark pigmentation; the description “black deer” does not indicate a separate species.
Protection Increased
The report said special patrols have been arranged to protect the animal from poaching. Repeated sightings alone do not establish that melanistic deer numbers are increasing.
Sources: Bartaman Patrika and earlier regional coverage.
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