For some, being the black sheep of the family feels like an honor. Standing out with unique thoughts or behavior can be refreshing. But what happens when this “black sheep” situation occurs in the animal kingdom?
Meet Tira, a baby zebra who’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Unlike other zebras, Tira has dots instead of stripes. This rare and stunning pattern has drawn tourists from far and wide, boosting visits to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
Zebra stripes are as unique as human fingerprints. But Tira’s unusual look isn’t the first of its kind. Similar zebras have been spotted in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where their rare patterns continue to amaze.
According to R.L., a biologist from the University of California who studies zebra stripes, Tira’s unusual dots are caused by a rare genetic mutation called pseudomelanism. This mutation leads to irregular stripe patterns, giving Tira her dotted appearance.
The science behind zebra coloring lies in specialized cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives mammals their skin, hair, and fur color. Melanin comes in shades like red, black, brown, or yellow.
Here’s a fun fact: if you shave a zebra, its skin underneath is completely black! However, biologist Barsh suggests that in cases like Tira’s, the melanocytes don’t fully develop into proper stripes. Instead, they form those distinctive dots.
Isn’t nature fascinating?
