Record of leucism in Dasyprocta fuliginosa (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae) in the Colombian Orinoquia

Abstract

Among wild mammals, the occurrence of atypical coloration patterns such as leucism is rare. The records of such coloration patterns contribute to a better understanding of this phenomenon and possibly to assess the status of wild populations, considering that the occurrence of leucism has been linked to endogamic processes or environmental stress. In this note, we present the first report of leucism in Dasyprocta fuliginosa in Colombia, particularly in the high plains region of Vichada, in the Colombian Orinoco basin. We used camera traps during a study on mammals associated to cashew crop landscapes in the high plains of the Colombian Orinoquia. We recorded an individual of D. fuliginosa with partial leucism, ~90% of the body. The individual was seen on one occasion accompanied by two young, suggesting it was a female that successfully reproduced, despite the potentially disadvantageous coloration compared to typical wild colorations.