Spots All Over: Records of Piebaldism in Red-Tailed Squirrel Syntheosciurus granatensis in Northwestern Ecuador

Pigmentation anomalies such as albinism, leucism, and melanism in mammals are uncommon but can provide insight into genetic, ecological, and demographic patterns within populations. We documented piebaldism, a form of leucism, in Syntheosciurus granatensis using camera-trap bycatch data (2014–2024), verified iNaturalist observations, and records from collaborators in northwestern Ecuador. From camera-trap data, 96 of 301 independent events (31.9%) showed piebald individuals. We also compiled 36 iNaturalist observations and five additional records from collaborators. Piebald and normally colored individuals (uniformly colored reddish-brown coat with bright, rust-colored tail) occurred sympatrically, with depigmentation patterns ranging from small white patches to extensive white coloration. The records occurred from 70 to 3200 m.a.s.l. in both protected and disturbed areas. These results indicate a high prevalence of piebaldism in this area and demonstrate the value of integrating camera trapping and citizen science data to document color variation.