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Mutation in wildlife in Nilgiris
Why is it in News?
- Rare genetic condition has been developed in Nilgiri wildlife in last few years
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- Leucism is a condition which causes partial loss of pigmentation and manifests itself in a change in the skin pattern of the animal
- Recently, Indian Gaur manifested Leucism
- Previously, two tigers, a Sambar deer, and even a three-striped palm squirrel manifested Leucism in Nilgiris
- Environmentalists stand
(1) fragmentation and isolation of wildlife populations are reasons for such condition
(2) genetic mutation that causes leucism, albinism and melanism among wildlife populations
(3) Such mutations due to a number of underlying factors including in-breeding, pollution, environmental alterations, low-quality diet or follicular damage
(4) It might reduce immune system and consequently chance of survival
- The upper Nilgiris is primarily comprised of 80% grassland and 20% Shola forest. Destruction of grasslands is responsible for isolation of animals