Camera trick reveals black leopards' spots

The spots of a black leopard are revealed. - AFP/Rimba Group

SYDNEY: A simple camera adjustment has helped scientists illuminate the usually undetectable spots on black leopards - a trick they say will help them tell individual animals apart and aid the animals' conservation.

Scientists studying leopards in Malaysia, where most of the big cats are jet black, had difficulty telling the animals apart, an obstacle which was hindering research.