Adjective
Affected with melanism; of the nature of melanism.
Source: Webster's dictionaryColor morphism A melanistic jaguar is a color morph which occurs at about 6 percent frequency in populations. Source: Internet
Cougar There are no authenticated cases of truly melanistic cougars (pumas). Source: Internet
The coat is variously described as sandy, tawny or greyish with brown, chestnut or faded rosettes. citation Variant colouration Melanistic leopard or " black panther main Melanistic leopards, known, like the melanistic jaguars, as "black panthers". Source: Internet
Its pelage is typically more reddish and sparsely furred than the coyote's and gray wolf's, though melanistic individuals do occur. citation Its fur is generally tawny to grayish in color, with light markings around the lips and eyes. Source: Internet
Several colour morphs of the cheetah have been identified, including melanistic and albino forms. citation Black cheetah have been observed in Kenya and Zambia. Source: Internet
Many assume that the big cat belongs to a different species, however, it is just a melanistic variant of the leopard. Source: Internet