Key points
- Ukrainian scientists have spotted a rare seal with a cream-colored coat in Antarctica.
- The unusual color is caused by leucism.
- Unlike albinism, leucism preserves the natural color of the eyes and limbs.
- The cream-colored coat makes it harder for the animal to survive – it is more noticeable to predators and prey and absorbs heat worse.
- A thick layer of fat compensates for the problems with thermoregulation, so seals with leucism can reach adulthood and reproduce.
Ukrainian polar explorers spotted a rare seal with a cream-colored coat in Antarctica.
The unusual color of the animal is caused by leucism – a condition in which the fur and skin partially or almost completely lose their color. Unlike albinism, leucism preserves the natural color of the eyes and limbs.
Leucism should not be confused with another form of hypopigmentation – albinism. In this state, the animal has not only light fur, but also pink eyes, due to the lack of pigment in the cornea and the visibility of blood vessels.
– National Antarctic Scientific Center.
The National Antarctic Scientific Center noted that such cases occur in less than 1% of the population of Antarctic seals. The cause may be genetic mutations.
The cream-colored coat affects the animal’s survival: such seals are more noticeable to predators and prey, and also absorb heat worse.
However, a thick layer of fat helps them protect themselves from the cold. Seals with leucism can reach adulthood and reproduce.
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