First record of leucism in a wild lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Orinoquia region of Colombia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31687/SaremNMS25.1156Keywords:
anomalies, conservation, fragmentation, genetics, polymorphismAbstract
Polymorphic phenotypes, like leucism, occur due to genetic mutations and are rare in wild populations. Leucism, marked by partial or complete pigmentation loss but normal eye color, is often linked to genetic drift and inbreeding in fragmented habitats. We report the first case of leucism in a wild lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in Arauca, Colombia. Habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion may be causing reproductive isolation and reduced genetic variability. This finding highlights the potential genetic risks facing lowland tapir populations and underscores the need for genetic studies and conservation efforts to mitigate these risks in fragmented landscapes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ángela Alviz, Gina Quintero, Nidia Farfán-Ardila, Karen Pérez-Albarracín
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