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Leucistic Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) at Robert Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, with a note on colour morph nomenclature

Abstract:

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. However, adaptive interpretation of atypical colouration patterns in pinnipeds and its biological relevance are uncertain. Hence, this report is indirect evidence of a source of misunderstood genetic variability for this group of carnivores. Here, we present an opportunistic observation of leucism in an Antarctic Fur Seal, Arctocephalus gazella, from Peninsula Coppermine, in Robert Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. A young male with a leucistic dilute phenotype was recorded on February 5th, 2013. 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.