A fisherman in Australia has captured remarkable video footage of an unusually light-coloured platypus, sparking interest from wildlife enthusiasts and biologists alike.
A Chance Encounter on the River
Cody Stylianou made the surprising discovery during his first trout fishing trip of the season in September. While at a secret fishing spot in the Gippsland region of Victoria, he noticed the distinctive creature feeding at the surface of a river stained dark by tannins. Stylianou filmed the animal, which he has affectionately nicknamed 'Pinky', and has chosen to keep the exact location confidential to protect it from disturbance.
Not a True Albino, Just Unusually Light
While the platypus's pale, pinkish hue is certainly eye-catching, experts say it is not an example of albinism. Jeff Williams, a biologist and director of the Australian Platypus Conservancy, examined the footage. He confirmed that Pinky's colouring is 'somewhat unusual' but falls within the natural range of variation for the species.
'Platypus do vary a lot in colour,' Williams stated. He explained that this individual is simply at the extreme lighter end of the spectrum. 'It's not one that we consider should be added to the list of albino and leucistic ones,' he clarified, distinguishing Pinky from the even rarer genetic conditions that cause a complete lack of pigment.
Conservation and Public Interest
The sighting highlights the fascinating diversity within Australia's unique monotreme species. The decision by Stylianou to withhold the precise location is seen as a responsible action by conservationists, aiming to prevent stress or habitat damage to the animal from potential onlookers. The video serves as a rare public glimpse into the colour variations that can occur in wild platypus populations, reminding viewers of the importance of protecting their riverine habitats.
