Not all penguins wear tuxedos.
A rare white penguin has been spotted at a scientific base in Antarctica, where it stood out like a sore thumb among its black and white brethren.
The bird, which belongs to the Gentoo species, was discovered by researchers at the González Videla Antarctic base on January 4, CBS News reported.
The species typically has reddish-orange beaks and black heads with white spots around the eyes, the result of a genetic mutation known as leucism.
“Although the pigmentation is present, it is not present throughout the specimen,” Dr. Diego Peñaloza, a veterinarian, told Reuters, stating that there have been other cases of the mutation in other species, including giraffes, alligators, whales and bison.
Unlike albinism, which affects all melanin production, leucism does not affect the pigment cells of the eyes.
The condition is not harmful per se, but can still be dangerous to the penguin.
A rare white gentoo penguin was spotted near the González Videla Antarctic Base in Antarctica. Hugo Alejandro Harros Guerra
“In this case, being an animal that has a mostly white body, it can make it easier for a predator to hunt it and that is why cases of leucism are also very rare,” said Peñaloza.
“Because in addition to being recessive genes that are rarely seen, they are also animals that are very exposed – in the case of penguins – to being eaten more easily by a predator,” he added.
Gentoo penguins are the third largest living penguin species, with adults ranging in size from 11 to 17.5 pounds, according to the Australian Antarctic Program.
The penguin’s color is the result of a genetic mutation known as leucism. Hugo Alejandro Harros Guerra The penguin’s color can make it an easier target for predators, according to experts. Go West Sailing / Facebook Gentoo penguins usually have black heads with white spots around the eyes. Hugo Alejandro Harros Guerra
Emperor penguins, meanwhile, can reach nearly 4 feet tall and weigh more than 88 pounds, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Gentoos are one of the rarest Antarctic penguins, “with around 300,000 breeding pairs,” according to the British Antarctic Survey.
They are also known for having one of the “most prominent” tails of all penguin species – they sway from side to side as they walk.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn