White leopard born in Ratnagiri

A grainy photograph of what appeared to be a white leopard cub caused a stir in wildlife circles.

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Cubs are white on account of either albinism, which is rare, or leucism, which is even rarer.

The cub, and its normally coloured sibling were born in the wilds around a farm in Ratnagiri, whose owner informed the forest department about it a few days ago.

"Four days ago, the owner of the farm informed us about a leopard cub that was born white, which is rare. Its sibling is however normal," said Girija Desai, divisional forest officer, Ratnagiri. "The mother is with the cubs at the farm, but we don't know for how long she will remain at her current location." Desai did not disclose the location to prevent wildlife enthusiasts and the public from flocking to the farm.

Desai said whether the cub was born white due to albinism or leucism - both genetic conditions is yet to be ascertained.

"Albinism is caused due to the complete absence of melanin,the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour. With more melanin, the skin becomes darker and black.