Having a rich diversity of culture, traditions, people, fauna, and flora our planet is the habitat of many unique creatures. Being it the extremely hot climate suiting the existence of camel, or chilly winters for polar bears, Earth has different climatic conditions over different regions to enable the animal’s sustenance. Rare Polka Dotted Zebra
Along with such diversified environmental conditions, we can observe the uniqueness in structure and attributes of animals residing in different parts of the world. One such animal is the rare polka-dotted zebra. This wonderful animal found in Kenya attracts people worldwide to have a glimpse of its charm. In this article, we would reveal more about its habitat, existence, and attributes.
About the polka-dotted zebra.
Considering the different species of horse, people of Kenya are in love with sighting this zebra foul with dots all over its body. This zebra foal can be recognized via its dark color coat with small white patches or polka dots on the body. One can have a clear sight over them in the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya.
This species of zebra was first noticed by Frank Liu (a Kenyan photographer) when he was capturing the activities of rhinos. However, he got distracted by the small jumps and beautiful appearance of the polka-dotted zebra. Due to this beautiful color and design on the body, this zebra was named Tira.
The unique appearance.
As per some written sources, the stripes of zebra act as fingerprints. But in the case of Tira, this typical coloration and design could be initial and unique from all others. Its spots may help in the easy characterization of its genetic habits. Being one of the wonderful animals at Maasai Mara, the species is now under great care so that more breeds of this type could exist.
Revealed genetics.
Tira along with several other of his type are known to be suffering from a genetic disorder named pseudo-melanism. Pseudo-melanism is a rare genetic condition occurring due to any mutation in their genetic content. Under such types of mutations, the animals are considered to show some unique attributes and behavior along with some kind of abnormality.
In the case of zebra, the stripe’s color with design can reveal the occurrence of such genetic change. As revealed by a biologist of the University of California, Los Angeles, this modification in the striped pattern can lead to change in multiple characteristics of this zebra species.
Other variations.
Apart from this zebra with rare polka dots, some other zebras are also being observed with unusual color and design variations. The variations include partial albinism which depicts a “red blonde” coloration. One such zebra was photographed in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Scientific aspects.
Such newer discoveries and observations are something that can boost up the research even more. One can have a broader sense of genetic modifications in different species under different genetic changes or mutations. Such genetic aberrations can prove useful to monitor the effects in animal species along with the ways to be managed by local communities.
