Report of leucism in Tamandua mexicana (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) from southeastern Mexico

Coloration anomalies caused by melanin deficiency are rare in wild mammals and often increase predation risk. We document a case of leucism in an adult female Tamandua mexicana from the Reserva Cuxtal, Yucatán, Mexico. The specimen exhibited pale yellowish-white fur, pink skin, and dark eyes. Given the increasing urban pressures in the Reserve, population and genetic studies are essential to elucidate the potential causes of coloration anomalies and to support effective conservation efforts.