Review of hypopigmentation in Funambulus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) with a new observation from the Indian subcontinent

Color patterns in mammals depend on melanin pigments, with anomalies like albinism causing a lack of melanin and leucism resulting in partial or total pigmentation loss. These conditions are poorly documented in Funambulus squirrels globally. This report documents the first leucistic Common Palm Squirrel ( Funambulus palmarum ) in Karnataka, India. The white-coated female had a pinkish snout, ears, and limbs, and normal eye coloration. Its white fur contrasted sharply with dark tree trunks but blended with lighter ones.