How many black panthers are left in the world

Final answer: It is estimated that there are less than 250 mature individuals of the melanistic leopards known as Black Panthers left in the wild, with a steep population decline and a high risk of extinction in the near future. Explanation: The term Black Panther refers to several species of large wild cats that exhibit a genetic variation resulting in a black or dark-colored fur, notably leopards and jaguars. These animals are not a separate species but rather melanistic variants of their species. Currently, it is estimated that there are less than 250 mature individuals of melanistic leopards left in the wild, and their populations have declined by 25% or more over the last three years or one generation, whichever is longer. The conservation status of these animals is quite alarming, with a 50% or greater chance of extinction within the next 10 years or three generations. The drastic decline in their population is a result of habitat loss, hunting, and other human-related factors. When examining the broader picture of wildlife conservation, particularly in Africa, the situation is dire. For context, over 75% of its large mammal populations in West and Southern Africa have been lost in the past few decades, reflecting the critical need for increased conservation efforts.