Ukrainian polar explorers spotted a rare cream-colored fur seal in Antarctica
Ukrainian polar explorers have spotted a rare fur seal with an unusual cream-colored coat in Antarctica. The unique footage was captured during an expedition in the Zherlash Strait near Anvers Island.
The discovery was reported by the National Antarctic Scientific Center.
In the photos released by the scientists, one can see ordinary Antarctic fur seals with their traditional gray-brown coloration and one animal with rare light-colored fur.
According to biologist Oksana Savenko, the cause of this coloration is leucism—a form of hypopigmentation, meaning a partial or nearly complete loss of pigmentation in the skin and fur.
“Leucism should not be confused with another form of hypopigmentation—albinism. In this condition, the animal has not only light-colored fur but also pink eyes, due to the absence of pigment in the cornea and the visibility of blood vessels,” the center explained.
Experts note that among Antarctic fur seals, various forms of hypopigmentation occur in less than 1% of the population.
Cream-colored Antarctic fur seals may face difficulties surviving in the wild.
Due to their unusual color, these animals become more visible to their prey—fish, krill, and squid—as well as to predators—leopard seals and killer whales.
Reduced pigmentation also affects the skin’s ability to absorb heat. At the same time, a thick layer of blubber protects the seals from the cold.
Scientists emphasize that animals with leucism can grow to adulthood normally and participate in reproduction.
“Animals with leucism can live to adulthood and participate in reproduction. Studying cases of hypopigmentation in Antarctic fur seals can provide a more complete picture of genetic diversity within their population and a better understanding of how these marine mammals adapt to environmental conditions,” noted the National Antarctic Scientific Center.
Earlier, scientists from the Antarctic station “Akademik Vernadsky” captured rare footage of an underwater encounter with one of the most dangerous predators of the South Pole.
Ukrainian polar explorers set a record in the Wikipedia Science Photo Contest
Ukrainian polar explorers captured a rare white rainbow in Antarctica.
