First record of leucism in broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) with morphological, clinical and conservation insights in white crocodilians
Abstract
Abstract Caiman latirostris is a neotropical crocodilian widely distributed in Brazil, marked by a greenish-brown body, except by a yellowish-cream venter. Chromatic disorders remain unreported for C. latirostris . Here, we describe the first case of leucism in a C. latirostris and provide clinical, biometric and morphological data on this individual, including body condition index (BCI), body condition scores (qBCS and BCS), and haematological, biochemical and parasitological analyses. Additionally, we discuss the historical occurrence of the white phenotype in crocodilians and its potential as a bioindicator of environmental stress and ecosystem health.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Turtle Biology and Conservation
Aquaculture disease management and microbiota
Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Amphibia-Reptilia
- Publisher
- Walter de Gruyter GmbH
- Volume
- 47
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 227–235
- Publication date
- 23 April 2026