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White deer seen in the Forest of Dean

27/03/2010 17:01:29

uk/wildlife_june_09/fallow_ward_leucistic_crop

A white deer seen in the Forest of Dean. Photo credit Robin Ward

This white fallow buck was seen repeatedly in the Forest of Dean until recently, but hasn't been seen for a while (Moved on or shot perhaps?). Our first impressions were that it was a fine specimen of leucism, but there are distinct pink tinges to its muzzle and eyes, implying that it may be an albino, and the darker patches on its hide may just be dirt.

Pink tinges around the eyes may indicate that
this buck is an albino. Photo credit Robin Ward.

Leucism (or Leukism)
Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures.

Click here to see our gallery of albino and leucistic animals and birds.

Our thanks to Robin Ward for his images and information.

A white fallow buck in the Forest of Dean. Photo credit Robin Ward.

Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment

White deer seen 05/02/11

I saw this white deer today just outside Lydney, with six other deers. Amazing!!

Posted by: bex morgan | 05 Feb 2011 20:27:27

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