Archiwum zagraniczne East News 2023-09
EN_01596014_0363
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A rare, unmarked giraffe has been spotted in the wild for the first time, shortly after a Tennessee zoo announced the birth of a giraffe with similar characteristics.
A photographer captured images of the young calf running alongside her mother on a private game reserve in Namibia. The last documented sighting of an unmarked giraffe occurred in Tokyo back in 1972.
While the sight of a giraffe without its characteristic spots may be intriguing, experts have issued a cautionary note regarding the potential dangers this absence of patterns poses for the animal. The distinctive spots on a giraffe's coat are unique to each individual, creating confusion for predators attempting to single out a target.
These spots and patterns not only serve as camouflage in the wild but also typically cover areas rich in blood vessels, aiding the giraffe in regulating its body temperature by facilitating heat dissipation.
While variations in colour or changes in spot and stripe patterns are occasionally observed in various species, the root causes are often shrouded in mystery. The absence of spots in this case can be attributed to a genetic condition known as leucism, which hinders the production of pigments in skin cells.
Dr. Julian Fennessy, co-founder and conservation director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), remarked, 'The absence of spots could potentially be linked to genetic mutations or recessive genotypes in one or more genes related to pattern development. However, without detailed genetic analysis, these remain speculative theories.'
The spotless giraffe is just one of approximately 117,000 left in Africa, as this magnificent animal has sadly vanished from the wild in at least seven countries, leaving only four distinct species remaining.
Stephanie Fennessy, GCF's executive director and co-founder, expressed her concern, stating, 'Giraffes are facing a critical situation, and unless we take immediate action, our grandchildren may not have the privilege of witnessing giraffes in their natural habitat as they grow up. That is a truly worrying prospect! Yet, there is still hope. If we act promptly, we can collectively champion the cause of giraffes and ensure a future for these gentle giants in the wild.'"
When: 12 Sep 2023
Credit: Eckart Demasius/Giraffe Conservation Foundation/Cover Images
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2023-09-12
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