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First record of leucism in Kerguelen Shag Leucocarbo verrucosus
Citation
Guille, K. (2024). First record of leucism in Kerguelen Shag Leucocarbo verrucosus. Marine Ornithology, 54(1), xx–yy.
Leucocarbo verrucosus Marine Ornithology, 54(1), 75-77.http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.54.1.1685
Received 13 October 2025, accepted 04 November 2025
Date Published: 2026/04/15
Date Online: 2026/04/15
Key words: Kerguelen Archipelago, leucism, pigmentation, seabird, sub-Antarctic
Abstract
The first case of leucism in the Kerguelen Shag Leucocarbo verrucosus was observed on Mayes Island, Kerguelen Archipelago, in the southern Indian Ocean between October 2021 and November 2022. The individual exhibited extensive white plumage with scattered black feathers while maintaining normal eye pigmentation, consistent with leucism rather than albinism. Despite exhibiting typical behavior and social interactions, no breeding activity was recorded. This observation highlights the occurrence of pigment abnormalities in sub-Antarctic seabirds and underscores the importance of continued monitoring to better understand their ecological or genetic implications.
References
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Camprasse, E. C. M., Cherel, Y., Arnould, J. P. Y., Hoskins, A. J., & Bost, C.-A. (2017b). Combined bio-logging and stable isotopes reveal individual specialisations in a benthic coastal seabird, the Kerguelen shag. PLOS One, 12(3), e0172278. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172278
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Mundy, N. I. (2005). A window on the genetics of evolution: MC1R and plumage colouration in birds. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 272(1573), 1633-1640. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2005.3107
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Camprasse, E.C.M., Cherel, Y., Arnould, J.P.Y., Hoskins, A.J., Bustamante, P., & Bost, C.-A. (2017a). Mate similarity in foraging Kerguelen shags: A combined bio-logging and stable isotope investigation. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 578, 183-196. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12257
Camprasse, E.C.M., Cherel, Y., Arnould, J.P.Y., Hoskins, A.J., & Bost, C.-A. (2017b). Combined bio-logging and stable isotopes reveal individual specialisations in a benthic coastal seabird, the Kerguelen shag. PLOS One, 12(3), e0172278. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172278
Garrido-Garduño, T., Rodríguez-Estrella, R., Solano-Mendieta, E., Zamora-Abrego, J.G., & Medina-de la Fuente, V.M. (2020). Description of two cases of leucism in the Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) in Mexico. PeerJ, 8, e10223. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10223
Iron, J. (2018). Double-crested Cormorant with aberrant pale plumage. Ontario Birds, 36(3), 145-147.
Mooney, N. (2014). The Kerguelen shag Phalacrocorax verrucosus: Ecology, breeding biology and conservation. [PhD thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart].
Mundy, N.I. (2005). A window on the genetics of evolution: MC1R and plumage colouration in birds. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 272(1573), 1633-1640. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2005.3107
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Ryan, P.G. & Martin, R. (1996). Leucism in a Cape cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis. Cormorant, 7(1), 31-33.
Solanki, N. (2022). Colour aberrant Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis in Kachchh. Flamingo, 20(1), 23-24.
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