Albino panda spotted in Chinese reserve
In a forest in China’s Sichuan province, a photo trap photographed an albino panda. Although the photo is a bit blurry, you can clearly see the mammal’s white fur and red eyes. This is the first time albinism among the giant panda has been recorded in a wild individual.
Albino panda was captured by a photo trap mounted in a bamboo forest in the National Nature Reserve Wolong. The photo was taken in mid-April. The photo is far from perfect. The animal captured in the picture came out a bit blurry, but that doesn’t stop you from seeing the characteristic features of albinism – white fur and red eyes.
As the experts acknowledged, the photo shows a young individual, whichory is 1-2 years old. However, the researchers were unable to determine the sex of the animal.
Albinism u mammalow – including humans – is caused by a rare mutation of one or more genesoin, whichore manage the production of melanin in the body. Melanin is a pigment thatory dictates sk colorory, eyes, in humans hairow, and in fur-bearing animals. The trait of albinism is recessive, meaning that it manifests itself when it is inherited from both parentsow.
Albinos are more sensitive to direct sunlight. The trait can also cause vision problems, which in animals can make it difficult to find food. Animals with white fur are roalso more visible to the predatorow and are easy targets for poachersow.
An albino panda photographed in China appears healthy. – The panda looks strong, its steps are steady, and this means that the genetic mutation may not have had a significant impact on its life span – mowi Li Sheng of Peking University.
The Wolong Reserve, where the albino panda was photographed, is located at an altitude of about 2,000. metreow.p.m. Once a rare panda specimen is captured, additional photo traps will be installed there to more closely track the unique panda.
It is estimated that fewer than 1,900 giant pandas live in the wild. Although their numbers have increased in recent years, the species is still threatened with extinction. HeadoThe main cause of species extinction is human activity. Cutting down the forestoin under cultivated fields limits their habitat. Forest diebackoin bamboo, ktore are the staple diet of these animals, also contributes to the poor situation of the species. Of course, one cannot forget about poachers, for which theorich pandas are an attractive target.