Albino otter is spotted by tourists in Mato Grosso do Sul

The Brazilian Pantanal is home to many animal species, from birds to snakes. Mato Grosso do Sul is one of the states that presents us with an incredible exuberance of its fauna. No wonder it has become a much sought after destination for nature lovers who are surprised by the animal beauty when visiting the region.

A group of tourists had their own expectations exceeded when visiting the Pantanal recently. The reason? The group caught an albino otter. With its all-white body and pink muzzle, the albino otter was only seen twice - in August - by guides from an inn.

Photo: Pousada Aguapé

The inn manager, Joana Tatoni, told the G1 in an interview that the guide spotted the otter during a boat trip, but could only identify that she was “different” as she approached. “When she was photographed she was alone and feeding on a fish, ” she said.

Albino otters are considered very rare in nature and, according to oceanographer Oldemar Carvalho, they are the result of recessive genes. There are, according to the expert, cases reported in Scotland, but with another species of otter. In Brazil, only one was known so far, who lives in the João Pessoa Zoobotanical Park.

Photo: Pousada Aguapé

As mutations are very rare and with few reported cases, the oceanographer explains that studies are impaired, but it can already be said that albino otters have some disadvantages in nature, such as difficulty in camouflage and eye discomfort due to increased exposure. to the sun's rays. Therefore, the albino otter may have poor vision on very clear days.

The albino otter may still have difficulty mating and the puppy may suffer from rejection from the mother.

Photo: Pousada Aguapé