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

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.