This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Published on September 25, 2019, a rare white giraffe in Ijara, Garissa County, Kenya, put a remote community conservancy on the global map.
The giraffe, described as one of a kind, has continued to fascinate the local community, scientists, and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.
Scientists believe the giraffe suffers from leucism, a genetic condition that inhibits skin cells from producing pigment.
However, there is no detailed study to confirm this theory, which has been largely based on sightings of leucistic species around the world.
The Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy in Garissa County is now inviting scientists to conduct a study on the rare animal, which has given birth to two white calves in the last two years.
The study aims to settle the debate on whether the giraffe is the first of a new species or a genetic condition passed down generations.
"There is debate on whether it is leucism or albinism, but in reality, we still do not know what exactly it is," said Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) Coastal Director Isa Gedi.
Leucistic animals typically do not survive past one year due to predation, making it difficult to study them further.
Albinism has been ruled out as the condition behind the white color, as it prevents the body from producing pigment in all organs, causing the eyes to be pink.
Unlike albinism, leucism inhibits skin cells from producing pigments but allows other organs like the eyes to have a dark color.
"We are continuously monitoring the animals for behavioral changes," said Mr. Steve Chege, a veterinary officer at NRT.
The condition is unlikely to have any physiological effects or disadvantages on the giraffes except the risk of predation.
