CHINA -- The scientists of Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China, leaked a photo of a giant panda, but it is all-white. It is believed to be the first of its kind that is known to human researchers.
The image of this rare panda was taken by the reserve's cameras in mid-April of this year. It shows a panda cub that's roughly two to three years old walking through a bush. White claws, white fur, and red eyes -- the makings of an albino panda. This little critter is yet to be known as an albino panda with all the hallmark signs of albinism.
According to the statement released by the management of the local conservation facility, the discovery of a rare cub only indicated the presence of a genetic mutation. "There is a ‘whitening’ mutant gene in the population of the giant panda in Wolong," as expressed in the report.
Should the cub grow and decide to mate, it will be able to pass on that genetic code which means we could expect more albinism among pandas in the facility. However, the species are well-known for their mating issues, so this expectation remains as it is.
"Albinism, though rare, does not affect the animal's growth or reproductive activity," according to the conservation authorities. Outside the fact that their color makes them more visible to their predators or that they become more sensitive to light, the new panda that has been discovered may the have the same kind of survival as that of its peers that have the black and white complexion.
The discovery of such new breed is a part of the larger evaluation the government is conducting for a larger conservation project. The goal is to make a list of all the known species that live in China to help keep them safe.
Moving forward, the research for such genetic mutations should continue to further the study and to help in the protection of these species as well. Their global population remains to be at high risk of extinction if laws of protection are not properly carried out. The conservation facility is yet to release more photos of this rare albino panda.
