First case of piebaldism in black-bearded tomb bat Taphozous melanopogon in Goa, India

Authors

  • Manoj R. Borkar Biodiversity Research Cell, Department of Zoology, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women
  • Pratiksha Sail Biodiversity Research Cell, Department of Zoology, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12933/therya_notes-25-203

Keywords:

Albinism, chromatic aberration, leucism, melanin, pigmentation

Abstract

Chromatic aberrations are pigmentation disorders that have been reported from several vertebrate groups including bats.  Piebaldism is a condition that results in white patches in certain areas of skin due to absence of melanocytes there.  Here we report the first case of piebaldism in Taphozous melanopogon in the world from Goa, India.  During a survey to assess species diversity of bats in Goa, a single individual with piebaldism was seen in a church, clinging on to a wooden beam on the ceiling.  Though chromatic aberrations are rarely seen, such reports are critical to understanding the cost, benefits and survival challenges of the affected individuals.

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Published

2025-07-03

How to Cite

Borkar, M. R., & Sail, P. (2025). First case of piebaldism in black-bearded tomb bat Taphozous melanopogon in Goa, India. Therya Notes, 6(2), 83–86. https://doi.org/10.12933/therya_notes-25-203

Issue

Section

Notes