What is it about?
Fur chromatic disorders, which include albinism, leucism and melanism, are rare in mammals. Worldwide these atypical cases are naturally infrequent and poorly reported in the literature, particularly in pinnipeds. The knowledge available about colouration in mammals comes from studies in mice and other domestic mammals. Generally, this information is homologous to most mammals.
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Why is it important?
Adaptive interpretation of atypical colouration patterns in pinnipeds and its biological relevance are uncertain. This is the first confirmed record of a leucistic fur seal on this island. Additionally, we provide some general comments on the nomenclature used for colour morphs.
Perspectives
This report is indirect evidence of a source of misunderstood genetic variability for this group of carnivores.
Víctor Romero
Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
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This page is a summary of: Leucistic Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) at Robert Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, with a note on colour morph nomenclature, Polar Biology, January 2017, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s00300-016-2069-9.
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