11002-13115 European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus occidentalis) four young, aged about three weeks old in nest. Broad Bay, Otago Peninsula *
11002-13215 European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) an albino male wandering through autumn leaves. Albinism is defined as an absence of both melanins in the fur, eyes and skin. The lack of melanin results from the hereditary absence of the enzyme tyrosinase in the pigment cells. The red or pinkish hue that can be seen in the eyes and skin is caused by blood that is visible through the colourless tissue. Most albino animals rarely survive in the wild, even though the mutation is not uncommon. The reason wild albino animals are scarce, is because their eyes are highly sensitive to light, which gives them poor depth of vision. So it is poor eyesight, rather than white coloration, that makes most wild albinos vulnerable. Clyde, Central Otago *
11002-13203 European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) an albino male curled up in autumn leaves. Albinism is defined as an absence of both melanins in the fur, eyes and skin. The lack of melanin results from the hereditary absence of the enzyme tyrosinase in the pigment cells. The red or pinkish hue that can be seen in the eyes and skin is caused by blood that is visible through the colourless tissue. Most albino animals rarely survive in the wild, even though the mutation is not uncommon. The reason wild albino animals are scarce, is because their eyes are highly sensitive to light, which gives them poor depth of vision. So it is poor eyesight, rather than white coloration, that makes most wild albinos vulnerable. Clyde, Central Otago *
