Feb. 13, 2008 - White Stag in western Scotland
An unusual adult male Red Deer has been spotted in the Scottish Highlands: instead of the usual greyish-brown (winter) or red (summer) colouration, he is white. This is caused, not by albinism, but by a rare inherited condition called leucism. In leucism the creature has less pigment in the skin and hair, but natural coloured eyes. Very few Red Deer with leucism have been seen in the last fifty years; it is more often seen in the smaller Fallow Deer.
There is a short video of the grazing White Stag at the Scotsman News website.
If you and your children are interested in learning more about Britain's largest land mammal, these sites have information and images:
(PDF) All About... Red Deer
Trees for Life -- Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Great Britain Forestry Commission -- Red Deer
Sadly, another wild white stag was killed by poachers in October 2007. His body was abandoned, with only his head and antlers taken for a trophy. Hopefully, this white stag will be left to mature and live out his natural life amongst his herd. It will be a couple more years before he is old enough to breed and pass on his genetically-inherited rare colouration.
Deer are prominent in world-wide mythology, especially Celtic. As well, deer are referred to in Christian tradition, usually pertaining to lives of specific saints. In the past, the white stag had become a symbol of Christ. There is Scottish folklore specifically surrounding the appearance of a white stag.
Those familiar with The Chronicles of Narnia know that Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy return to Professor Kirke's home while seeking to find the White Stag...
"And one year it fell out that Tumnus ... came down river and brought them news that the White Stag had once more appeared in his parts - the White Stag who would give you wishes if you caught him."
Source: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Chapter Seventeen), Copyright 1950.
It would be an amazing experience to travel to Scotland and see these magnificent creatures. I'd love to take photos of them! 
|
Permanent Link
|
|
|
|
Page
1 of 1
Last Page | Next Page
|
Local Time in BC, Canada
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
|
