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Leucistic Impala, Kruger National Park, South Africa

September 15, 2013

This leucistic impala was photographed in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. It is not 'albino' but 'leucistic' which is a rare genetic condition in the pigment of the animal's hair and skin characterised by lack of pigmentation. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures.

It is easy to distinguish between albinism and leucism as in albinism the eye colour is red with the underlying blood vessels showing through. Leucistic animals have normally coloured eyes. This mutation appears to be due to hidden recessive genes. The lack of tawny camouflage needed for survival makes them more visible to predators.

Information source: http://hesc.co.za/2015/08/impala-with-a-difference

Leucistic Impala, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Leucistic Impala, Kruger National Park, South Africa
White impalas are not albino (unpigmented) but are leucistic, a rare genetic condition that causes a reduction in the pigment in the animal's hair and skin. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures. Unlike albinos who have characteristically red eyes, leucistic animals have normal colouring in their eyes. ..This mutation appears to be due to hidden recessive genes. Theirlack of tawny camouflage needed for survival makes them more visible to predators....Information source: http://hesc.co.za/2015/08/impala-with-a-difference/