Animals with albinism are at greater risk from predators
The world’s first albino panda has been spotted in China
CNN reports that the world’s first albino panda was recorded on camera in China.
The rare animal was seen with its white body and reddish eyes in a bamboo forest in Sichuan province. Footage of the panda was taken on an infrared camera in Wolong National Nature Reserve.
Beijing’s Peking University researcher Lio Sheng said there had been no sightings of albino pandas before.
“The panda looked strong and his steps were steady, a sign that the genetic mutation may not have quite impeded its life,” he said.
Albinism is a condition in which there is a lack of skin pigment or melanin. Animals with the conditions are thus at a greater risk from predators as they are easy to spot. Albinism can also cause poor eyesight.
However, the reserve said the panda appeared “physically strong, with a steady gait,” suggesting that the condition was not affecting the animal.