First confirmed record of an albino raccoon Procyon lotor for México

Abstract

71 Albinism is defined as the complete loss of pigment in the entire body (Silva-Caballero et al. 2014). It is recognized by the abnormal color of the skin, fur, feathers, scales and eyes (McCardle 2012). Although variations exist, true albinism is considered the complete absence of tegumentary and retina pigmentation (Sandoval-Castillo et al. 2006). Partial albinism is shown when the pigment is reduced and absent in skin, feathers and eyes (Berdeen & Lotis 2011); for example, leucism is a partial albinism created by one gene (Allen & Neill 1955, Lotze & Anderson 1979, Long & Hogan 1988, McCardle 2012), unlike albinism that is triggered by the action of various genes. Albinism is usually attributed to environmental factors like low habitat quality and diet (Bensch et al. 2000) and has been documented in an extensive variety of species including the major classes: amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. In the group of terrestrial mammals, complete albinism has been reported in coyote (Canidae, Canis latrans), skunk (Mephitidae, Mephitis mephitis), ferret (Mustelidae, Mustela putorios furo), raccoon (Procyonidae, Procyon lotor), bear (Ursidade, Ursus americanus), opossum (Didelphidae, Didelphis virginiana), cottontail rabbit (Leporidae, Sylvilagus floridanus) rhesus macaque (Cercopithecidae, Macaca mulatta), elephants (Elephantidae, Elephas sp.) and some rodents (McCardle 2012). In México, the Family Procyonidae is represented by seven species of four genera (Bassariscus astutus, B. sumichrasti, Nasua nasua, Procyon lotor, P. pygmaeus, P. insularis and Potos flavus) (Ceballos & Oliva 2005), and variations in color have been reported at the global level (Jones 1923, Stuewer 1943, Allen & Neill 1955, McCardle 2012). Nevertheless, in spite of being a family with distribution throughout the entire country, little information exists regarding the color variations. In addition, the reported data correspond to the individuals of the white-nosed coati that exhibited leucism in the southeast of México (Silva-Caballero et al. 2014). The raccoon (P. lotor) is a common species in the country, is of medium size and sturdy body, with long fur and coloring that varies from grayish to blackish with yellowish or brownish tones on the dorsal part. The abdomen varies from a brownish-yellow color to grayish, and the face has a mask that extends to the nose (Lotze & Anderson 1979, ValenzuelaGalván 2005). It is of twilight habits, and plant material constitutes from 48% to 70% of its diet, complemented by invertebrates and, in a smaller proportion, some vertebrates such as fish, frogs or tortoises (Valenzuela-Galván 2005). In 2016, we performed systematic monitoring in forests under the forestry management of the state of Michoacán: a total of 59 camera traps were installed (Moultri M880) for 155 days. In one of the cameras (Lat: 19.530389°, Long: -101.750222° WGS 84) that was active from September 28 to November 5, a female raccoon was captured with four kits, one of them exhibiting complete albinism with a total lack of pigment (Fig. 1). The group was recorded for six different days (October 12, 15, 16, 19, and 21 and November 5); for the last recording, the albino kit did not appear in the photographs. The site is located First confirmed record of an albino raccoon Procyon lotor for México