Know the mystery behind the albinas or ‘golden’ zebras

The zebras are easily recognizable for their characteristic white and black stripes, which according to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)it is a unique pattern in each individual that helps them identify with each other.

However, over time, surprising sightings of zebras with unusual colors have emerged, such as golden or albinas tonalities, a rare and even little studied phenomenon.

Albinism in zebras is extremely rare in nature, which has hindered its research. Greg Barshgeneticist at the Hudsonalpha Institute of Biotechnology, said in an article by National Geographic of 2019 that very little is known about this condition.

The article focused on the case of a golden zebra photographed in the Serengueti National Park in Tanzania by Sergio Pitamitzwhose unusual coloration could be due to partial albinism.

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What is partial albinism?

Partial albinism occurs when an animal produces less melanin, the natural pigment that color the skin and fur. In the case of zebras, this means that their black stripes appear more pale. National Geographic revealed that it is likely that the genetic mutation responsible for this variation is present in populations of zebras of different regions of the world.

A study published in 2020 in the Molecular Ecology magazine analyzed the DNA of 140 plain zebras (Equus quagga), including seven with unusual fur patterns.

The researchers concluded that smaller and isolated populations tend to have less genetic diversitywhich increases the probability that mutations responsible for these variations in the color of the fur arise.

Meet Zoe, Hawaiian zebra with Amelanismo

One of the most famous on zebra with unusual fur was Zoe, born in Hawaii and resident of the sanctuary of non -profit animals ‘Three Ring Ranch’with accreditation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

According to the sanctuary website, Zoe had a condition called Amelanism, which is characterized by the absence of melanin in the skin and fur.

This condition, different from albinismo, was described in a 2022 study in the Latin American magazine of Herpetology. Zoe lived 19 years in the sanctuary with his mother and sister, who did not share their condition.

With information from National Geographic