White crocodile is a variety of common reptiles. This is a very rare animal, which can be either an albino or a leucist. There are individuals with partial or full white skin. The features of the eyes in albinos are noted. They can be pink and even blue, which is quite rare.
White individuals are the exception to the rule rather than the norm. And the question of whether there are white crocodiles in the wild can be answered unambiguously. In ordinary habitats it is impossible to meet such an adult animal. Firstly, because it gives out a white color from an early age, and it becomes easy prey for predators, and secondly, it is really a very rare developmental anomaly.
Who can have a white color
In nature, almost any living thing can be white. Famous albinos are humans, monkeys, snakes, penguins, lions and tigers, fish and turtles, bats and rhinos. People endowed such animals with supernatural power and showed unprecedented interest in them.
In many countries there are myths and legends about the magical nature of these creatures. In Africa, albino people are still considered sorcerers, and they are in danger, because they can be killed to use parts of the body in their wild rituals.
Everyone has heard about the black sheep, which has long been used in speech as an allegory. And at one time, Snowflake was very popular, a young gorilla who lived for many years in the Barcelona Zoo. She could often be seen in television shows and on the pages of glossy publications.
In an animal of any kind, albino can appear in the offspring. Who are they? Why normal crocodiles are born among normal gray-green parents among numerous offspring.
Who are albinos?
Albinism is not a disease, but a genetic anomaly. In albinos, disorders occur in the genes, due to which there is no pigment melanin, which is responsible for the coloring of the skin, the iris of the eyes.
There is partial and complete albinism. Scientists have found that the reason for this phenomenon lies in the complete absence or blocking of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the normal synthesis of melanin.
The degree of such a violation of the pigmentation of the cover depends on the nature of the changes in the genes. Cases have also been noted when everything is normal with the formation of tyrosinase, and the creature still has a white color. Here, scientists believe that a genetic defect lies in the mutation of genes that regulate the formation of an enzyme, another important element for melanin.
White crocodiles also have such gene disorders. In nature, they have a hard time. Let us consider in more detail how they differ from ordinary ordinary individuals and how they live with such an anomaly of development.
Is it easy to be a black sheep?
Albinism, although not a disease, but just a genetic abnormality, but creates unpleasant moments in life, especially for animals. In those places where white crocodiles live, there is a lot of greenery and murky river water, against which this reptile stands out. It is inconvenient for him to hunt, he will not be able to sneak up on prey quietly and inconspicuously, so in most cases the crocodile will remain hungry.
But he himself has a hard time. Against the background of wildlife, it stands out as a white spot, which, of course, attracts the eyes of all hunters for easy prey, and in nature this reptile has many enemies, not counting the main one - man.
In addition to these shortcomings, white crocodile exists in nature with a bunch of health problems. They have reduced immunity, frequent hearing problems, it cannot be exposed to sunlight for a long time. He has to spend a lot of time in secluded places, hiding not only from enemies, but also from the ruthless sun.
And not every beautiful crocodile woman will focus on such a "prominent" groom. Many individuals do not find a partner.
Stuttgart Terrarium
In the German city of Stuttgart, a new terrarium has been built, in which, next to the brothers of normal color, a white congener lives, attracting additional curious visitors. Specialists work there to study such anomalies in animals, and the conditions for keeping crocodiles are close to natural.
Locals call the terrarium a crocodile palace. There are no cages or closed enclosures. The place completely conveys the native landscape of the predator. A favorite of the public attracts the attention of all visitors, and many are touched by them, but, by the way, one should not think that color changes something in the character of these large and aggressive predators. They are as dangerous as the rest of the crocodiles.
Buya Blanc from Florida
White crocodile living in the Gatorland wildlife park in Florida is also very popular. It has a special pigmentation called leukism. He looks attractive. The color is not completely white like that of albinos, but only part of the skin, and the eyes are blue.
Back in 1986, builders found a brood of white individuals in the swamps of Louisiana, and 17 cubs were taken to the zoo. Many died, and Buya Blanc survived. He is already 22 years old. Separate enclosures contain 3 more males.
Once again about whether there are white crocodiles in nature
In wildlife, to meet adults, as we have said, is almost impossible. It is unlikely that kids so noticeable to everyone will be able to live to a more or less mature age. Basically, all the famous adult albinos are kept in zoos, and therefore survived. In total, 12 white crocodiles living in terrariums of different countries of the world are known.
Although albinism is a rare occurrence, scientists have noticed that every year the number of white individuals among the inhabitants of the planet increases. It is not yet clear why this is happening, but research is underway on this phenomenon. In the meantime, you can go to the zoos, where these amazing creatures live, and enjoy the "white crows" from the animal world.