Kurseong, West Bengal – In a remarkable week for biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayas, the Kurseong Forest Division has recorded two separate, high-priority sightings of rare color-variant deer. While a jet-black melanistic barking deer was photographed near the Dowhill Eco Park, reports of a pristine white deer near Mirik have further highlighted the ecological richness of the region.
The sightings, described by officials as “first-of-their-kind” for this division, have quickly gone viral on national news networks, drawing global attention to the fragile hill ecosystems of North Bengal.
The most significant confirmation came on Wednesday, January 7, when forest watchers on a routine patrol in the dense Dowhill forest (elevation 4,000+ feet) managed to capture a clear photograph of a fully black barking deer (Indian Muntjac).
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kurseong, Devesh Pandey, hailed the discovery. “A fully black deer was sighted in the Dowhill area, partially concealed behind trees,” Pandey said. “This is a monumental sighting as such an animal has not been recorded in this forest division earlier. It indicates a healthy, undisturbed habitat where such rare genetic traits can survive.”
Melanism is a genetic condition caused by a recessive gene that leads to an excess of dark pigmentation. While common barking deer are known for their deep tan or reddish coats, this jet-black variant is exceptionally rare in the wild.
Simultaneously, a second report of a white deer—likely exhibiting leucism or albinism—surfaced from the Mirik range. A local bystander reportedly photographed the animal grazing near the forest fringe. Leucism involves a partial loss of pigmentation, resulting in white skin or fur but usually leaving the eyes with their natural color, unlike the pink eyes characteristic of albinos.
DFO Pandey stated that while the Dowhill sighting is officially documented by the department, range officers in Mirik are currently verifying the white deer’s location to ensure its safety from potential disturbances.
The Kurseong hills, often called the “Land of White Orchids,” are proving to be a haven for rare wildlife. In recent months, the division has also seen an increase in sightings of the melanistic leopard (Black Panther) near Bagora and the endangered musk deer in nearby Neora Valley.
”The presence of these rare animals will be an added attraction for responsible eco-tourism,” a senior forest official remarked. However, the department has warned against unauthorized entry into these sensitive zones. “We will take all steps to ensure the conservation of these species and sensitise local residents about their protection,” DFO Pandey added.
Security patrols have been intensified in the Dowhill and Mirik sectors to prevent any potential poaching or harassment of these rare “new hues” of the Himalayan forests.
