Albinism is caused by a genetic mutation that results in the absence of melanin production and therefore all pigmentation in the hair, skin or deeper tissues of the body is absent. The specimen of pampas deer was found at Caiman Pantanal. Some factors can increase the chances for albinism, such as inbreeding among isolated populations or between closely related individuals. Since animal color is also likely to be influenced by other factors, further studies are needed to understand if the occurrence of albino pampas deer in this wetland reflects the overall low genetic diversity of this population.
Ávila et al. (2025) studied this question.