Current:Home > MarketsA rare white penguin has been discovered in Antarctica among one of the world's largest penguin species -AlphaFinance Experts
A rare white penguin has been discovered in Antarctica among one of the world's largest penguin species
View
Date:2025-04-19 04:36:19
Among a colony of black and white penguins with bright orange beaks in Antarctica is one animal that stands boldly apart from the rest. Scientists have discovered that one of the penguins is almost completely white – the result of a rare condition that makes it more susceptible to danger.
The female penguin belongs to the Gentoo species, animals that typically have bright reddish-orange bills and black heads with white patches around their eyes. But on Jan. 4, researchers at the González Videla Antarctic base found one that looked a little different – it's almost entirely white.
The lack of color is caused by a genetic mutation known as leucism.
"Although pigmentation is present, it is not present across the whole specimen," veterinarian Diego Penaloza told Reuters, saying there have been similar cases of the mutation across other species, including giraffes, alligators, whales and bison. Unlike albinism, which impacts all melanin production, leucism only has partial effects and does not impact pigment cells in the eyes.
The condition itself isn't harmful in and of itself, but it can still prove dangerous for the penguin.
"In this case, being an animal that has a mostly white body, it can make it easier for a predator to hunt it and that is why cases of leucism are also very rare," Penaloza said. "Because in addition to being recessive genes that are rarely seen, they are also animals that are very exposed – in the case of penguins – to being eaten more easily by a predator."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Protecting the Planet - CBS News (@cbsnewsplanet)
According to the Australian Antarctic Program, Gentoo penguins are the third largest living penguin species, with adults ranging in size from about 11 to 17.5 pounds. In comparison, emperor penguins, the largest living penguin species, can reach nearly 4 feet tall and more than 88 pounds, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
And while gentoos are among the largest in physical size, population size is a different story. These animals "are one of the least numerous Antarctic penguins, with about 300,000 breeding pairs," according to the British Antarctic Survey. They are also known for having one of the "most prominent" tails of all penguin species with the appendage known for sweeping from side to side as the animals walk, the group says.
- In:
- Antarctica
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
veryGood! (16)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Matthew Perry's Final Conversation With Assistant Before Fatal Dose of Ketamine Is Revealed
- Jailed Chinese activist faces another birthday alone in a cell, his wife says
- What is ‘price gouging’ and why is VP Harris proposing to ban it?
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Woman arrested at Indiana Applebee's after argument over 'All You Can Eat' deal: Police
- Elephant calf born at a California zoo _ with another on the way
- DNA search prompts arrest of Idaho murder suspect in 51-year-old cold case, California police say
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Pharmacist blamed for deaths in US meningitis outbreak will plead no contest in Michigan case
Ranking
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Texas Rodeo Roper Ace Patton Ashford Dead at 18 After Getting Dragged by Horse
- 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4 is coming out. Release date, cast, how to watch
- Election officials keep Green Party presidential candidate on Wisconsin ballot
- Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
- Johnny Bananas and Other Challenge Stars Reveal Why the Victory Means More Than the Cash Prize
- Velasquez pleads no contest to attempted murder in shooting of man charged with molesting relative
- Kate Spade Outlet Sparkles with Up to 73% off (Plus an Extra 15%) – $57 Bags, $33 Wristlets & More
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting
Springtime Rain Crucial for Getting Wintertime Snowmelt to the Colorado River, Study Finds
Extreme heat at Colorado airshow sickens about 100 people with 10 hospitalized, officials say
What is ‘price gouging’ and why is VP Harris proposing to ban it?
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
Jana Duggar Reveals Move to New State After Wedding to Stephen Wissmann
A Florida couple won $3,300 at the casino. Two men then followed them home and shot them.
Memo to Pittsburgh Steelers: It's time to make Justin Fields, not Russell Wilson, QB1