Motty was the world's rarest elephant, a hybrid between an African and an Asian elephant born at Chester Zoo in 1978. His brief life ended just 10 days after birth due to health complications, but his existence provided valuable insights into interspecies hybridization and genetics. His case remains unique, highlighting the complexities and rarity of such hybrid animals.
Scientists discovered a new feline coat color called salmiak, caused by a recessive genetic mutation that challenges previous understanding of cat genetics, opening new avenues for research and breeding.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation responsible for a new cat coat pattern called "salmiak" in Finland. This pattern features a unique gradation of black to white hairs and was found to be associated with a 95-kb deletion downstream of the KIT gene. The mutation is recessive and was confirmed through genome sequencing of affected cats.