What is Albinism?

Jan. 30, 2023

Recently a partial albino dhole (Cuon alpinus) has been photo-documented in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Albinism:

  • Albinism is the result of cells that can’t produce melanin, the pigment needed to colour skin, scales, eyes and hair.
  • This genetic condition gets passed to offspring when both parents carry the recessive gene. When albinism is present, the animal can appear white or pink.
  • The production of melanin occurs within melanocytes, specialized cells that are present but not fully functional in albino mammals.

Key facts about Dhole

  • The dhole or Asiatic Wild Dog is found in three clusters across India namely the Western and Eastern Ghats, the central Indian landscape and North East India.
  • The Western and Eastern Ghats is a stronghold regions for dholes.
  • Conservation status
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • The Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule II
  • CITES: Appendix II

About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • It is extended over three districts, namely, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Ramanagara in
  • The sanctuary provides a vital link between Bannerghatta National Park in the north and BRT Tiger Reserve and Male Mahadev Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in the south.
  • The area is drained by three rivers, namely, Cauvery, Arkavathi and Shimsha.
  • Flora: The forest is primarily of dry deciduous and scrub types, but a wide range of forest types including moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen, shola, riverine, Hardwicke forest, etc.
  • Fauna: Important animals found in the sanctuary are tigers, elephants, leopards, bison, wild dog etc.