Rapid Fire
Rare White Peacock
- 22 Nov 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, a rare leucistic peacock with white feathers was rescued in Coimbatore.
- The peacock’s white feathers are due to leucism, a genetic condition that prevents melanin and other pigments from being deposited on feathers at normal levels which has resulted in dark eyes, pink bill, and feet of peacock.
- White Peacock is not a different species of peacock.
- Leucism: Leucism is a genetic condition that results in partial loss of pigmentation in animals, leading to white, pale, or patchy coloration while retaining normal eye colour.
- It is different from albinism, which involves a complete lack of melanin and often results in red or pink eyes.
- Melanin is a natural pigment that colours skin, hair, and eyes, and shields them from Ultra Violet (UV) damage.
- Peacock:
- Peafowl is the collective term for peacocks, with the male called a peacock and the female a peahen.
- The Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the National Bird of India, belongs to the Phasianidae family.
- This family also includes pheasants, quails, partridges, and jungle fowl.
- Species of Peafowl:
- Indian (Blue) Peacock: Native to India and Sri Lanka.
- Green (Javanese) Peacock: Found from Myanmar to Java.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN: Listed as Least Concern.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Read more: Indian Peafowl
