The Significance Behind the Magnificent Creature: Black Panthers

Black panthers probably remind you of the popular Marvel superhero, or Bagheera from The Jungle Book, or the revolutionary Black nationalist organisation, Black Panther Party, but what do you actually know about the big cat itself?

Black panthers are technically classified as black leopards or black jaguars from Africa, Asia and South America and the term ‘Panthera’ is the genus of which these cats are under. They are just leopards or jaguars who have an all black fur coat instead of their usual black spotted tan coat. However, if you look closely, they do still have their spots, just that their tan coats have an access of dark melanin pigment. This is due to a recessive or dominant gene, depending on the species. This happy anomaly only happens to 5% of the Panthera species, making these magnificent creatures very rare.

Black panthers are so often used in the literature, art and media, but why is that and what do they represent? In short: power, strength and protection. The dark and mysterious beauty is both adored and feared.

STRENGTH AND POWER

Panthers rely on their strength since running is not their best skill. Their huge build and massive jaw help strangle their prey and feed on them.

Panthers rely on their strength since running is not their best skill. Their huge build and massive jaw help strangle their prey and feed on them.

Read the full article about the meaning behind black panthers here.

Origami Panther Figurine Glazed Black