http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/02/2130704.htm
An adult, unpigmented Adelie penguin was photographed near Granholm Hut
on Sunday.
Penguins lacking pigmentation are referred to as "leucistic" and don't
usually survive until adulthood because they attract predators and don't
breed.
Australian Antarctic Division biologist, Rhonda Pike, says only one
penguin with the genetic defect has been detected over a number of
breeding seasons in a population of 4,000 Adelies.
"We have a population of tagged birds out there and we've never tagged
any of the leucistic birds," said Ms Pike.
"So we don't know if it's the same one coming back year after year, but
yeah, one out of 4,000."
--
Rob Cypher
robcypher.livejournal.com balst32@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
IS FUTILE - YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED
