Louisiana’s Connection to the Newly Born Rarest White Alligator on Earth
In December of 2023, a new baby leucistic alligator was born in Florida, but the bloodline for this rarest alligator on Earth traces back to the swamps of Louisiana.
Leucistic Alligators
In leucistic alligators, the usual coloration is replaced with a lighter, often white or pale gray appearance.
Their eyes and other features may still have some pigment, which distinguishes them from albino counterparts. The leucistic trait is a result of a genetic mutation affecting the production of pigment cells.
Leucistic alligators are known for their piercing blue eyes, one trait that sets them apart from albino alligator's pink eyes.
These rare alligators can be found in the wild, but they are more vulnerable than their normally pigmented counterparts because their lack of camouflage makes them easier targets for predators.
In December, a brand new leucistic alligator was born at Gatorland in Florida.
Although born in Florida, this insanely rare alligator's bloodline can be traced back to the swamps of Louisiana nearly 40 years ago.
From Brobible.com -
"This baby alligator‘s journey began over 36 years ago when a nest of leucistic alligators were discovered in a Louisiana swamp back in 1987.
Of that original nest of all-white alligators found in Louisiana back in 1987, seven are still alive. Of those original seven gators, three of them reside at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, an alligator-centric theme park."
It's important to note that while leucistic alligators are captivating to observe, their unique appearance can also pose challenges in the wild due to increased visibility and potential difficulty in hunting or evading predators.
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Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale