First report of Albino rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta (Zimmerman, 1780) from Barak Valley, Assam

On 22nd February 2022 at 10:30 hours, we recorded an albino rhesus macaque infant at Ramkrishna Nagar town (24°50’31.5708″N, 92°23’11.6916″E) in Sribhumi district of Assam (Figure 1). The locals knew the individual by its ethereal appearance and bestowed the name ‘Pandur’ (meaning pale, colorless) upon this unique and colorless primate. The monkey was spotted while it was feeding and roaming around the place with the group near the town. The group roamed the suburban town and adjacent areas in the quest for food. The group, consisting of approximately 72 members, including 24 offspring, 29 females, and 19 males, was the only rhesus macaque troop known to inhabit this vast area. Within the troop, the albino baby received constant care and protection from its mother, always staying near her (Figure 2). However, the albino baby faceds some social challenges within the group. Other members of the group exhibited hesitation in interacting and playing with the albino individual, often displaying behaviors of irritation or avoidance. Nevertheless, the albino baby explored its surroundings under the watchful guidance of its mother, vocalizing frequently throughout its daily activities.