FIRST RECORD OF LEUCISM IN COENDOU SPINOSUS (RODENTIA, ERETHIZONTIDAE)

Leucism in Coendou spinosus in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Leucism is a pigmentary anomaly that results in a white or yellowish fur in mammals. Here we report the first observation of a leucistic individual of Coendou spinosus (Rodentia; Erethizontidae) in a mangrove area during a wildlife monitoring program in the industrial district of Rio de Janeiro municipality. Leucistic condition may increase predation pressures in some species and impact population dynamic. Reports of color anomalies are important to increase the number of official observations and enable the understanding of the causes and consequences of such anomaly.