Parque Nacional da Gorongosa Moçambique

Albino Waterbuck Sighted in Gorongosa National Park

Jun 1, 2008 - Gorongosa National Park

A waterbuck which appeared to be albino was recently spotted by park warden, Baldeu Chande, on a helicopter flight over the Park. The waterbuck was observed by Chande and four others near the Urema River in the eastern portion of the Park. This waterbuck had never before been seen by anyone in Gorongosa National Park. It can’t be determined from this sighting whether the animal is a true albino, which is characterized by entirely white fur and pink eyes.  Park staff will continue to monitor this unique waterbuck to determine whether it is a true albino and how it is faring in Gorongosa.

Albinism in wildlife is a rare genetic condition in which the animal has no melanin pigmentation resulting in white fur and pink eyes. It is impossible to know how many albino waterbuck may exist in Africa. A report from Kruger National Park tells of an albino waterbuck sighting by two game rangers in 1959 but there may have many more unreported sightings over the years.