A leucistic platypus observed on the New England Tablelands of New South Wales

Genetic mutations resulting in abnormal colouration occur across all vertebrate groups but are considered rare, especially in mammals. Hypo-pigmentary conditions can be separated into albinism, leucism and piebaldism. The impact of colour variation on an animal's risk of predation and its ability to blend with its surroundings is widely recognised. We report our observations of a white platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in a tributary of the Gwydir River in the upper reaches of the Murray Darling Basin, New South Wales, Australia. We describe our observations in the context of historical platypus records since 1835. The platypus is one of the world's most extraordinary animals. Although many people may never encounter this unique mammal in the wild, we observed and captured footage of a rare white platypus! Our search of scientific literature, newspapers and databases yielded 12 novel records of albino or atypically white individuals dating back to 1835. Our observation likely represents the only known record of a leucistic platypus. Photograph by Louise Streeting.