This black leopardess and a magical sunset ✨🖤 photographed in Kenya’s Laikipia Region 🎥 by @hshphotos Did you know….black leopard cubs have a higher likelihood of being black. The black coloration in leopards is caused by a genetic trait called melanism, which results in an excess of dark pigment melanin. If both parents carry the gene for melanism, it increases the chances of their cubs also inheriting the trait and being black. However, not all cubs from black leopard parents will be black,

A young leopardess, Asha, is ready to fend for herself and bring home her own spoils. Until recently, she was allowed to share in her mother’s kills—but when her mother gave birth to a new litter, it meant that Asha’s last thread of dependence was cut off. On an island of heavy rains and harsh drought, only the toughest will survive, Island of the Monsoon premieres tonight at 8/7c! | Smithsonian Channel