Melanism animals

Close up of a black tigers face Black Tigers are, like White Tigers, not a unique subspecies. Rather, they are Bengal Tigers with what is known as pseudo-melanism. Pure melanism refers to a large amount of black pigmentation of the hair / fur / feathers, eyes, and so on. This gives the animal a completely black appearance and is the opposite of albinism. However, this is not the case in either Black or Blue Tigers, which is why the term “pseudo” is used to describe their colouring.

Not a captive animal but a wild one. There were quite a few black squirrels in the grounds of the Bronx Zoo.

Melanism the opposite of albinos.

melanisme / albinisme

Discover all of the different types of animals that are melanistic, learn how and why they develop their black color, and much more - with pictures.

No, they're not pigments of your imagination, these dark creatures (the opposites of albinos) display melanism meaning they're much blacker than normal. While Black Panthers (actually leopards) are the most well-known melanistic animals, a host of others have also been known to change their spots... into one BIG spot.

19 Photos Of Melanistic (All Black) Animals That'll Leave You In Awe Of Mother Nature