Alba (rabbit)

Alba was a female albino Iberian wild rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) notable for being the first known albino of her subspecies to be documented. She was discovered in 2008 in Doñana National Park in southwestern Spain by scientists from the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC).

Alba's discovery was significant because albinism is extremely rare in wild rabbits and potentially detrimental to their survival. Her lack of pigmentation would have made her more vulnerable to predators due to lack of camouflage and more susceptible to sun damage.

Despite these challenges, Alba survived for several years in the wild, indicating that she may have benefited from some level of protection or adaptation. Her case provided valuable insights into the genetics and ecological consequences of albinism in wild rabbit populations. Specifically, research surrounding Alba helped scientists understand the prevalence of the recessive gene responsible for albinism within the Iberian wild rabbit population and potential risks to the subspecies' long-term viability due to increased inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.

Alba eventually disappeared, and her fate remains unknown. Nevertheless, she remains a notable example of a rare genetic mutation in a wild animal and a subject of scientific interest.