The coloration of the skin and coat is one of the characteristics that distinguishes the different species from each other. However, there are some specimens of the fauna whose appearance does not correspond to the members of their species: they are the albino animals
The absence of pigmentation is a phenomenon that affects varieties of flora and fauna, including humans. What causes this curious appearance? Does it affect the lives of those who have such white skin and fur? We will answer these and other questions in the next article on our site about albinism in animals, with information, examples and photos. Keep reading!
Albinism in animals: what is it and why does it occur
Surely you know that albinism means that the affected individual has very white skin and hair, you may have seen pictures of people like that, or even known any. However, this phenomenon is not exclusive to humans, it also occurs in fauna.
To talk about albinism in animals, what it is and why it occurs, it is necessary to say that it is an inherited genetic disorder. It consists of the absence of melanin in the coat, skin and iris, but what is melanin? Melanin is made up of tyrosine, an amino acid that melanocytes transform into the pigment needed to give animals their color. In addition, the presence of melanin protects individuals from the dangerous effects of the sun.
Hypopigmentation or albinism is the body's inability to produce melanin, therefore, individuals with this problem have a very particular appearance. Albinism is hereditary, but it is also recessive, so it is necessary for both parents to carry the gene for the offspring to be born with this disorder.
Types of albinism in animals
Albinism occurs at different levels in the animal kingdom, this means that, outwardly, not all affected animals look extremely pale or white. These are the types of albinism in animals:
- Ocular Albinism: Lack of pigmentation only occurs in the eyes.
- Complete albinism (oculocutaneous type 1): affects the skin, fur and eyes, which show different pale shades, such as white, gray, or pink.
- A Oculocutaneous lbinism type 2: the individual has normal pigmentation in some area of the body.
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 3 and 4: the role of tyrosine is unstable, so the animals have some normal characteristics, in addition of white spots or areas lacking melanin.
Consequences of albinism in animals
In this research on albino animals, we also want to talk about how this disorder affects individuals. The lack of pigmentation causes the following consequences:
- Pink or grayish skin, a product of the bloodstream that can be seen through the colorless dermis.
- Red or pink eyes (complete albinism) or blue, brown or green (oculocutaneous albinism 2, 3 and 4).
- Pale, blonde, greyish or white fur.
- Sensitivity and intolerance to prolonged sun exposure.
- Decreased visual ability.
- Hearing problems.
The consequences for albino animals go beyond physical appearance or a reduction in the acuity of some senses. In the wild, an albino animal lacks the necessary camouflage to hide from predators, so light colors make it more visible and prone to attack. For this reason, the life expectancy in the wild of albino animals is reduced.
This disorder affects any animal species, although complete albinism is most commonly seen in domestic animals, such as mice, cats, dogs, and rabbits. However, it can also be seen in nature in wild species such as gorillas, snakes, turtles, zebras, amphibians, giraffes, crocodiles and much more.
If you live with an albino animal, we recommend you consult its care to keep it in perfect condition:
- Caring for an albino cat
- Care for albino dogs
Famous Albino Animals
Among these albino animals we also include the mention of specimens with hypopigmentation that are famous. Some of them have already passed away, but they gained a lot of popularity while they lived. These are some of the most famous albino animals in the world:
- Snowdrop was an albino South African penguin. He died in 2004 at the UK Zoo, where he was a true celebrity.
- Copito de Nieve was one of the best-known albino animals. There are no records of other albino gorillas, this one lived in the Barcelona zoo until 2003.
- Claude is an albino crocodile who lives in California, in the swamp inside the Academy of Sciences.
- Pearl is another female albino crocodile sighted in Australia.
- Ludwing is an albino lion who lives in a zoo in kyiv, Ukraine.
- Onya is a rare case of albinism in koalas, currently living in Australia.
- Since 1991 there have been sightings of Migaloo, an albino humpback whale that frequents Australian shores.
Albino animals and their conservation
Many animal species are currently in danger of extinction. This affects both normal specimens and individuals suffering from albinism. There are no records of albino animals in danger of extinction, since their birth requires such specific genetic conditions that it is difficult to speak of a population density made up of individuals of these features.
Despite this, some species, such as the albino variety of lion or the white lion, are often favored by hunters due to their rarity. However, it is impossible to say that it is in greater danger than other varieties of lion.
