Rare White Giraffe Spotted in Tanzania Could be 'Target' for Poachers

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Rare White Giraffe Spotted in Tanzania Could be 'Target' for Poachers - by Mark Molloy/ News/ The Telegraph/ telegraph.co.uk

"A white giraffe with a genetic skin condition has been photographed at a national park in Tanzania, with experts fearing she could become a target for poachers.

A rare white giraffe with a genetic condition which means many of her body surface cells are incapable of making pigment has been photographed at a national park in Tanzania.

Ecologist Dr Derek Lee, founder of the Wild Nature Institute (WNI), which conducts scientific research on at-risk wildlife species, took the amazing photographs in Tarangire National Park.

“Omo is leucistic, meaning many of the skin cells are incapable of making a pigment. Some are, so she is pale but not pure white, with red or blue eyes, as a true albino would be,” he explained.

“Omo is the only pale giraffe we are currently aware of, but we have also observed leucistic waterbuck, Cape buffalo and ostrich in Tarangire..."

Omo the white giraffe who has been spotted roaming around Tarangire National Park, in Tanzania Photo: DEREK LEE/CATERS NEWS


Richard

 

[pedro47]

Thanks for sharing the information and that photo.