A leucistic platypus observed on the New England Tablelands of New South Wales

Author(s)
Streeting, Louise M
Daugherty, Richard
Burrows, Sarah
Bower, Deborah S
Watson, Sandy
Daugherty, Neve
Dillon, Martin L
Publication Date
2023-10-31
Abstract
<p>Genetic mutations resulting in abnormal colouration occur across all vertebrate groups but are considered rare, especially in mammals. Hypo-pigmentary conditions can be separated into albinism, leucism and piebaldism. The impact of colour variation on an animal’s risk of predation and its ability to blend with its surroundings is widely recognised. We report our observations of a white platypus (<i>Ornithorhynchus anatinus</i>) in a tributary of the Gwydir River in the upper reaches of the Murray Darling Basin, New South Wales, Australia. We describe our observations in the context of historical platypus records since 1835.</p>
Citation
Australian Mammalogy, 46(1), p. 1-7
ISSN
1836-7402
0310-0049
Link
Language
en
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Title
A leucistic platypus observed on the New England Tablelands of New South Wales
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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