Not all penguins wear tuxes.
A rare white penguin has been spotted at a scientific base in Antarctica, where it stands out like a sore thumb among its black and white relatives.
The bird, which belongs to the Gentoo species, was found by researchers at the González Videla Antarctic base on January 4, CBS News reported.
These species typically have reddish-orange beaks and black heads with white patches around their eyes, the result of a genetic mutation known as leucism.
“Although there is pigmentation, it is not present in the entire specimen,” Dr Diego Penaloza, a veterinarian, told Reuters, adding that there have been other cases of the mutation in other species, including giraffes, crocodiles, whales and bison.
Unlike albinism, which affects all melanin production, leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eye.
This condition is not dangerous, but it can still harm penguins.
A rare white Gentoo penguin was found near the González Videla Antarctic base in Antarctica. Hugo Alejandro Harros Guerra
“In this case, as an animal that is mostly white, it can make it easier for predators to hunt it and that is why cases of leucism are also very rare,” said Penaloza.
“Because in addition to recessive genes that are rarely seen, they are also very vulnerable animals – in the case of penguins – to be eaten more easily by predators,” he added.
Gentoo penguins are the third largest living penguin species, with adult sizes ranging from about 11 to 17.5 pounds, according to the Australian Antarctic Program.
The color of penguins is the result of a genetic mutation known as leucism. Hugo Alejandro Harros Guerra Penguins’ coloring may make them easier targets for predators, according to experts. Go West Sailing / Facebook Gentoo penguins usually have a black head with white patches around the eyes. Hugo Alejandro Harros Guerra
Meanwhile, emperor penguins can reach a height of nearly 4 feet and weigh more than 88 pounds, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Gentoos are one of the rarest Antarctic penguins, “with approximately 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 – swinging from side to side as they walk.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
