CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 10Animal and Plant Science EducationWildlife Ecology and ConservationGeographies of human-animal interactions

Of Rarity and Symbolism: Understanding Human Perceptions of Charismatic Color Morphs

Open access
Williams, Tyus D., Kreling, Samantha E. S., Stanton, Lauren A., Wilkinson, Christine E., Estien, Cesar O., Schell, Christopher J., Carlen, Elizabeth J.·2024·Human Ecology
DOI 10.1007/s10745-024-00492-7

Published version of a preprint

Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Coloration in wildlife serves numerous biological purposes, including sexual selection signaling, thermoregulation, and camouflage. However, the physical appearance of wildlife also influences the ways in which humans interact with them. Wildlife conservation has largely revolved around humans’ propensity to favor charismatic megafauna, but human perceptions of wildlife species extend beyond conservation measures into our everyday interactions with individual wildlife. Our aesthetic appreciation for different species interplays with culture, lore, and the economic interest they carry. As such, one characteristic that may underpin and interact with social drivers of perception is the coloration of a particular individual. We provide case studies illustrating the dynamism in interactions people have with conspicuously colored wildlife – i.e., individuals that vary from their species-typical coloration. We focus on melanism, leucism, and albinism across four species commonly thought of as pests in the United States: coyotes ( Canis latrans ), eastern gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ), white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) , and black-tailed deer ( O. hemionus ).

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This conceptual review argues that rare color morphs—melanism, leucism, and albinism—can make individual wildlife “charismatic” and thereby alter human perceptions and treatment, sometimes protecting them and sometimes making them targets. It uses case studies of coyotes, eastern gray squirrels, and white- and black-tailed deer to show how scarcity psychology, symbolism/lore, and individual recognition shape human–wildlife interactions.

Key findings

  • The paper identifies three social drivers of perception toward conspicuously colored wildlife: the psychology of scarcity, symbolism and lore, and individualism/naming. It argues these can lead to preferential protection, community celebration, or increased targeting, depending on species and context.
  • Case studies show charismatically colored individuals are often named and treated differently from wildtype conspecifics. Examples include Carmine, a melanistic coyote in Metro-Atlanta, who was relocated to a wildlife sanctuary even though Georgia law mandated euthanizing trapped coyotes; Coal, a melanistic black-tailed deer in Moab, Utah, was memorialized and taxidermied after dying of chronic wasting disease.
  • Communities have created legal and cultural protections for rare color morphs. Marysville, Kansas, designated black squirrels as city mascot in 1972 and gives them rights such as immunity from traffic regulations; Olney, Illinois, can fine up to $750 for failure to yield to albino squirrels; Wisconsin prohibits hunting and harvesting leucistic and albino white-tailed deer, though the ordinance was removed in 2008 and permanently ratified in 2015.
  • Rarity can also increase exploitation. Melanistic white-tailed deer are exceptionally rare in the United States except central Texas, where hunting them is common and they are prized as trophies; the paper notes no state or local laws exist for melanistic deer. In the Eastern United States, melanistic coyotes are estimated at 5–9% of the population.

Methods

  • Conceptual synthesis and case-study approach, not an empirical study. The paper states: “Quantitative data was not used for the development of this manuscript.”
  • It examines melanism, leucism, and albinism across four taxa commonly considered pests in the United States: coyotes (*Canis latrans*), eastern gray squirrels (*Sciurus carolinensis*), white-tailed deer (*Odocoileus virginianus*), and black-tailed deer (*O. hemionus*).
  • Evidence is drawn from literature, folklore, legal codes, media reports, and community examples; the paper uses these to illustrate how scarcity, symbolism/lore, and individualism interact in human perceptions of charismatic coloration.

Limitations

  • The paper states that future research should investigate implicit biases humans have toward wildlife colorations and how those biases vary by ecological niche, such as melanistic predators versus melanistic prey.
  • The paper cautions that community-gathered data, such as iNaturalist observations, may be biased because individuals may be more inclined to report charismatically colored wildlife than regularly colored wildlife.
  • Evident from the text: the case studies are illustrative and anecdotal rather than systematically sampled or quantitatively tested, so the paper does not establish causal effects of coloration on human treatment across species or regions.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s10745-024-00492-7

Cites

124 of 124 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

38 of 141 cited sources checked · 9 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Rare species are generally considered to have greater value than abundant species.

    “For example, rare species are generally considered to have greater value than abundant species (Leong, 2009), which often results in greater tolerance, positive attitudes, and conservation support from the public (e.g., Kontsiotis et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Leong, 2009 source
    • cites Kontsiotis et al., 2021 source

      Section 4.1 (page unavailable) says the public viewed the rare brown bear as attractive and worthy of protection, and gave it first priority for conservation and respect for life over the common species studied. This supports the conservation-support and tolerance aspects of the clause cited to Kontsiotis et al., but the paper does not establish that rarity or greater perceived value causes greater tolerance and positive attitudes generally; the species also differ in charisma and provenance. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Physical appearance, including color, is one of the first characteristics humans perceive about a species.

    “As a visual species, one of the first characteristics that humans perceive about a species is its physical appearance, including its color (Messmer, 2000;Courchamp et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Messmer, 2000 source
    • cites Courchamp et al., 2006 source

      The Empirical Examples section (page unavailable) discusses preferences for rare red or white flower morphs, but not which characteristics humans perceive first when seeing a species. Searches for physical appearance, colour, and visual perception found no passage addressing that claim. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Interpretationcitation

    The ability to differentiate an individual from others in the population is a key component to the protection or community advocacy of conspicuously colored animals.

    “We show that key components to the protection or community advocacy of conspicuously colored animals are the ability to differentiate an individual from others in the population and naming them (Birke, 2009;Borkfelt, 2011;Milstein, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Birke, 2009 source

      In “On the limits of research” (page unavailable), Birke argues that research often overlooks the specific individual animal; “On politics and accountability” calls for greater accountability when humans champion animals’ causes. The paper does not establish that distinguishing individuals is a key component of protection or community advocacy, and it does not address conspicuously colored animals. (LLM, conf=0.78)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Borkfelt, 2011 source

      The passage on the named calf Phoenix (section labelled Abstract; page unavailable) says naming made the calf recognizable as an individual and prompted a public outcry that helped spare it from culling. The passage on named animals as ambassadors similarly supports the community-advocacy aspect. The paper does not address conspicuous coloration or show that the ability to distinguish such animals visually is a key component of their protection. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Milstein, 2011 source
  • Premisecitation

    Fear of predators can be overt and explicit, subtly changing our responses to these species.

    “This fear of predators can be overt and explicit, subtly changing our responses to these species (Clinchy et al., 2011;Prokop & Fančovičová, 2013;Mobbs et al., 2015;Nyhus, 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Clinchy et al., 2011 source

      In “Approaches Translatable to the Field” (page unavailable), the paper reports avoidance, reduced activity, and increased vigilance after predator exposure, supporting the claim that fear changes responses to predators. Those observations concern animals in laboratory and field studies; the passage does not establish the claim about “our” responses if that refers to humans. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Prokop & Fančovičová, 2013 source
    • cites Mobbs et al., 2015 source
  • Interpretationcitation

    Naming conspicuously colored animals is a key component to their protection or community advocacy.

    “We show that key components to the protection or community advocacy of conspicuously colored animals are the ability to differentiate an individual from others in the population and naming them (Birke, 2009;Borkfelt, 2011;Milstein, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Birke, 2009 source

      The Abstract (page unavailable) asks whether animals benefit from how humans name them, rather than saying naming helps protect them. 'On politics and accountability' (page unavailable) discusses animal advocacy and policy change, but the passages found do not link naming or distinguishing individuals to protection, or address conspicuously colored animals. I searched for those terms and for individual recognition as a means of protection. (LLM, conf=0.73)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Borkfelt, 2011 source

      The passage labeled Abstract (page unavailable) says that naming can help people recognize an animal as an individual and influence its fate; it describes public outcry for a named calf and suggests named animals may serve as ambassadors. It does not address conspicuous coloration or establish naming as a key component of protection or advocacy for conspicuously colored animals specifically. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Milstein, 2011 source
  • May combine two claims. 41
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 44

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rareness may result in greater tolerance, positive attitudes, and conservation support from the public.

    “For example, rare species are generally considered to have greater value than abundant species (Leong, 2009), which often results in greater tolerance, positive attitudes, and conservation support from the public (e.g., Kontsiotis et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Leong, 2009 source
    • cites Kontsiotis et al., 2021 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Naming animals to reflect the novelty of their features, such as charismatic coloration, allows them to be easily distinguished and remembered, building a collective sense of ownership or responsibility toward these individuals.

    “The naming of animals to reflect the novelty of their features, such as charismatic coloration, further allows them to be easily distinguished and remembered, building a collective sense of ownership or responsibility toward these individuals (Borkfelt, 2011;Milstein, 2011;Wilkinson, 2023).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Borkfelt, 2011 source

      The passage about Phoenix and Knut (section labeled Abstract; no page given) says naming helped people recognize each animal as an individual, regard them with fondness, and, in Phoenix’s case, protest on its behalf. It does not say that names reflecting novel features such as coloration make animals easier to remember or build a collective sense of ownership or responsibility. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Milstein, 2011 source
    • cites Wilkinson, 2023 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While coyotes are found in nearly all ecosystems in North America, observations of melanistic coyotes are uncommon.

    “While coyotes are found in nearly all ecosystems in North America (Mowry & Edge, 2014;Caudill & Caudill, 2015;Hody & Kays, 2018), observations of melanistic coyotes are uncommon.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Mowry & Edge, 2014 source
    • cites Caudill & Caudill, 2015 source
    • cites Hody & Kays, 2018 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Irish stories include heroes who are guided to claim their rightful inheritance by a white stag.

    “Irish stories include a heroes who are guided to claim their rightful inheritance by a white stag (Cartmill, 1996;Selnick, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Cartmill, 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Selnick, 2012

      In “Through the Myth of the White Stag” (page unavailable), the paper says Hunor and Magor follow a white stag westward. That supports a stag guiding figures in a story, but the account is Magyar, not Irish, and the passage does not say they claim a rightful inheritance. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Communities have made locally prolific melanistic squirrels into tourist attractions and they have become an important source of revenue.

    “Capitalizing on the idea of rarity associated with these traits, communities have made these locally prolific melanistic squirrels into tourist attractions and they have become an important source of revenue (Skavronskaya et al., 2020a, b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Skavronskaya et al., 2020a, b source

      The Defining Novelty and Conclusion sections discuss novelty in tourism generally, but neither addresses melanistic squirrels, community attractions, or revenue. Searches for melanistic squirrels and squirrel-related tourism revenue found no relevant passage in our copy; page numbers were not provided. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Charismatically colored individuals may be perceived as more valuable and thus also targeted by trophy-hunters.

    “In the same way that more ornate or larger-bodied individuals are preferentially targeted by trophy-hunters, charismatically colored individuals may be perceived as more valuable and thus also targeted (Johnson et al., 2010;Darimont & Child, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Johnson et al., 2010 source

      The Discussion (page not available in our copy) links perceived charisma to trophy value, particularly in comparisons between species and families. It does not examine coloration of individuals or show that hunters preferentially target individuals because of their coloring. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Darimont & Child, 2014 source

      The Introduction (page not provided) says hunters target and value larger individuals and describes declines in body or ornament size following selective hunting. It does not say that charismatically colored individuals are perceived as more valuable or targeted for their coloration; the Discussion’s camouflage passage concerns hunters’ clothing, not prey coloration. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Coyotes are a predatory species and often invoke fear-whether that be loss of life, livelihood, or economic gain.

    “Coyotes are a predatory species and often invoke fear --whether that be loss of life, livelihood, or economic gain (Knowlton et al., 1999;Elliot et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Knowlton et al., 1999 source

      The Abstract describes coyotes as predators and says agricultural interests are concerned about their predation on livestock. “Coyote Depredations on Livestock” says producers report losses that can threaten their enterprises’ economic viability. The paper does not support the broader claim that coyotes often evoke fear of loss of human life; no page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Elliot et al., 2016 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While most coyotes with bold behavior would often be euthanized by management agencies, management ultimately circumvented the law and kept Carmine alive, relocating him to a wildlife sanctuary.

    “While most coyotes with this bold behavior would often be euthanized by management agencies (Timm et al., 2004;Baker & Timm, 2017;Breck et al., 2017), management ultimately circumvented the law and kept Carmine alive, relocating him to a wildlife sanctuary.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Timm et al., 2004
    • cites Baker & Timm, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Breck et al., 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Leucistic coyotes occasionally appear on camera traps but are rarely included in scientific literature.

    “Leucistic coyotes occasionally appear on camera traps but are rarely included in scientific literature (Young, 1951;López-González, 2011;Brockerville et al., 2013;Arroyo Arce et al., 2019) (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Young, 1951

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites López-González, 2011 source

      The paper (pp. 871–873) documents a photographed white coyote and says white coyotes appear rare in wild populations. It urges scientific documentation of such records, but does not establish how rarely they appear in the literature. Its photograph came from a roadside observation, not a camera trap. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Brockerville et al., 2013 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The reverence for and cultural significance of the Kermode bear color polymorphism to the Kitasoo/Xai'Xais and Gitga'at First Nations resulted in the legal establishment of the ~1,000 km2 'Kitasoo Bear Conservancy,' protecting Kermode bears while promoting greater conservation of black bears within the Great Bear Rainforest.

    “The reverence for and cultural significance of this color polymorphism to the Kitasoo/Xai'Xais and Gitga'at First Nations resulted in the legal establishment of the ~ 1,000 km 2 'Kitasoo Bear Conservancy,' protecting Kermode bears while promoting greater conservation of black bears within the Great Bear Rainforest (Langlois, 2017;Service et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Langlois, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Service et al., 2020 source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Residents of rural areas tend to show less polarization and a greater consensus on negative connotations, sometimes even engaging in coyote killing competitions.

    “Residents of rural areas tend to show less polarization and a greater consensus on negative connotations, sometimes even engaging in coyote killing competitions (Merskin, 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Merskin, 2022 source

      Section 2.1, “Coyote in Cultures” (page unavailable), describes persistent negative beliefs about coyotes in ranching and farming communities, and the paper examines rural supporters of coyote killing contests. It does not establish that rural residents are less polarized or have greater consensus; Section 6, “Conclusions” (page unavailable), discusses opposing views on the contests. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Scientists found that 6% of Carmine's genome showed domestic dog ancestry, which may have had some influence on his behavior and coloration.

    “Scientists found that 6% of Carmine's genome showed domestic dog ancestry, which may have had some influence on his behavior and coloration (Monzón et al., 2014;Mowry et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Monzón et al., 2014 source

      The Results (Admixture; page unavailable) report dog ancestry in eastern coyotes, and the Discussion (Philosophical matters and implications for coyote and wolf management; page unavailable) raises the possibility that dog alleles affect adaptation to human-dominated environments. The paper does not identify Carmine, report 6% dog ancestry for him, or link his coloration or behavior to dog ancestry. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Mowry et al., 2021 source

      Section 3.2 (page unavailable) estimates Carmine’s domestic-dog ancestry at 5.5%, reasonably rounded to 6%. Section 3.3 (page unavailable) identifies a deletion associated with melanism but reports that Carmine lacked the tested canine hypersociability variants. The paper therefore does not establish that his dog ancestry influenced his behavior, or directly link that ancestry to his coloration. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Similar colorations among individuals may be conferred by different mutations within MC1R and ASIP genes.

    “This trait is controlled by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and Agouti (ASIP) genes (Lamoreux et al., 2010), but similar colorations among individuals may also be conferred by different mutations within these genes (van Grouw, 2013;Grouw, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites van Grouw, 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Grouw, 2017 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Biases in community-gathered data could lead to misinterpretations of the data.

    “certainly has value, biases in these observations could lead to misinterpretations of the data (Dickman, 2010;Carlen et al. 2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Dickman, 2010 source
    • cites Carlen et al. 2024 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dense populations of deer in urban and suburban areas result in numerous deer-vehicle collisions, causing severe injuries and potentially death.

    “Dense populations of deer in urban and suburban areas result in numerous deer-vehicle collisions, causing severe injuries and potentially death (Conover et al., 1995;Gilbert et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Conover et al., 1995
    • cites Gilbert et al., 2017 source

      The Introduction reports that rising deer numbers have contributed to more deer-vehicle collisions in the United States, with 29,000 injuries and over 200 deaths annually. It does not locate those dense deer populations or collisions specifically in urban and suburban areas. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    In Marysville, black squirrels are given the right-of-way at all traffic crossings.

    “In Marysville, black squirrels are even given the right-of-way at all traffic crossings (Article 1.General Provisions: City Mascot, 1987).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Article 1.General Provisions: City Mascot, 1987

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Kent State University in Ohio has hosted an annual black squirrel festival for nearly 40 years for their population, which is traced back to 10 from London, Ontario, which were released on the university's campus.

    “Additionally, Kent State University in Ohio has hosted an annual black squirrel festival for nearly 40 years for their population, which is traced back to 10 from London, Ontario, which were released on the university's campus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Once Carmine became too friendly with neighborhood dogs and began sneaking into people's houses for food, he was trapped by local wildlife authorities and relocated to a sanctuary.

    “However, once Carmine became too friendly with neighborhood dogs and began sneaking into people's houses for food, he was trapped by local wildlife authorities and relocated to a sanctuary.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    In 1973, several black squirrels were taken in the attempt to establish a breeding population in Hobbs, Texas, USA, but succumbed to interspecific killings by fox squirrels.

    “In 1973, several black squirrels were taken in the attempt to establish a breeding population in Hobbs, Texas, USA, but succumbed to interspecific killings by fox squirrels (Sciurus niger).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The popularity of the Albino Squirrel Preservation Society led to chapters around the world.

    “The Albino Squirrel Preservation Society was founded at the University of Texas, Austin, in 2001 to bring attention to the dwindling numbers of albino and leucistic Eastern gray squirrels (The Albino Squirrel Preservation Society, 2001), and its popularity led to chapters around the world.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites The Albino Squirrel Preservation Society, 2001

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    In Marysville, Kansas, melanistic squirrels have been the town's official mascot since 1972.

    “In Marysville, Kansas, the 'home of the black squirrels,' melanistic squirrels have been the town's official mascot since 1972.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Recently, rare, white-phased animals have been discovered in a new northeastern population of coyotes in insular Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, where researchers sequenced three type-switching genes in white and dark-phased coyotes to investigate the causative gene and mutation of white coats.

    “Recently, rare, white-phased animals have been discovered in a new northeastern population of the coyotes in insular Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, where researchers sequenced the three type-switching genes (Mc1r, Agouti, CBD103) in white and dark-phased coyotes to investigate the causative gene and mutation of white coats (Brockerville et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brockerville et al., 2013 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    After Carmine grabbed a resident's small dog, people became wary of a coyote roaming through their neighborhood.

    “But after Carmine grabbed a resident's small dog, people became wary of a coyote roaming through their neighborhood (Dillon, 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Dillon, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Anyone who willingly maims or kills, or deliberately entraps black squirrels without authorization within Marysville are subject to fines and imprisonment.

    “In addition, anyone who willingly maims or kills, or deliberately entraps black squirrels without authorization within the city are subject to fines and imprisonment (Article 1.General Provisions: Black Squirrel Day, 1987).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Article 1.General Provisions: Black Squirrel Day, 1987

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    London, Ontario, considers its black squirrel population a prized social commodity, which is celebrated with a song, 'The Black Squirrels of London.'

    “London, Ontario, considers its black squirrel population a prized social commodity, which is celebrated with a song, 'The Black Squirrels of London.'”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Rural and suburban residents in Georgia, USA, generally perceive coyotes negatively, with 43% of people surveyed agreeing that coyote populations should always be culled and generally supporting lethal removal if there were coyotes near their house.

    “For example, rural and suburban residents in Georgia, USA, generally perceive coyotes negatively, with 43% of people surveyed agreeing that coyote populations should always be culled and generally supporting lethal removal if there were coyotes near their house (Billodeaux, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Billodeaux, 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Carmine's unique coloration allowed him to be easily identified and naming him allowed for easy communication of his whereabouts and activities within the community.

    “Carmine's unique coloration allowed him to be easily identified and naming him allowed for easy communication of his whereabouts and activities within the community.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Residents described Carmine as friendly and approachable, even engaging in play with local domestic dogs.

    “Residents described Carmine as friendly and approachable, even engaging in play with local domestic”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    Evidence of socializing among a male golden retriever and a group of coyotes further supports the hypothesis of introgression.

    “Evidence of socializing among a male golden retriever and a group of coyotes further support this”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The town of Unionville, Tennessee, shared community mourning for a celebrated resident albino deer that was fatally struck by a car in 2011.

    “For example, the town of Unionville, Tennessee, shared community mourning for a celebrated resident albino deer that was fatally struck by a car in 2011 (Organ, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Organ, 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    For the melanistic coyote Carmine, some residents expressed concern for themselves, their pets, and their family, and called for Carmine to be euthanized at the same time that others expressed concern for his safety and preferred relocation.

    “Indeed, we see that for the melanistic coyote Carmine, some residents expressed concern for themselves, their pets, and their family, and called for Carmine to be euthanized at the same time that others expressed concern for his safety and preferred relocation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    In December 2019, a local celebrity black-tailed mule deer named 'Coal' in Moab, Utah, succumbed to chronic wasting disease.

    “In December of 2019, a local celebrity blacktailed mule deer named 'Coal' in Moab, Utah, succumbed to chronic wasting disease (Utah Division of Wildlife, 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Utah Division of Wildlife, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some residents wanted Carmine killed and threatened to do so themselves, while many others opposed capture at all, even for relocation.

    “Some residents wanted Carmine killed and threatened to do so themselves, while many others opposed capture at all, even for relocation (Chapman, 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Chapman, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    In the Eastern United States, melanistic coyotes are estimated to comprise 5-9% of the population.

    “In the Eastern United States, melanistic coyotes are estimated to comprise 5-9% of the population (Gipson, 1976;Caudill & Caudill, 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gipson, 1976 source
    • cites Caudill & Caudill, 2015 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The melanistic coyote named Carmine in Metro-Atlanta was relocated to a wildlife sanctuary when its behavior became unacceptable even though local law mandated any trapped coyotes be euthanized.

    “However, the melanistic coyote named Carmine in Metro-Atlanta was relocated to a wildlife sanctuary when its behavior became unacceptable even though local law mandated any trapped coyotes be euthanized.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In multiple cases, wildlife with charismatic coloration is not treated as pests but celebrated and often memorialized.

    “Yet, we see in multiple cases wildlife with charismatic coloration is not treated as pests but celebrated and often memorialized.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Coloration in wildlife evolved as a form of inter- and intraspecific communication, thermoregulation, and camouflage from predators or prey.

    “Coloration in wildlife evolved as a form of inter-and intraspecific communication, thermoregulation, and camouflage from predators or prey (Caro, 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caro, 2005 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Perceptions of wildlife coloration frequently reflect a society's worldviews and strongly influence responses towards wildlife.

    “Such perceptions frequently reflect a society's worldviews, for example, in the case of jaguars, on gender roles, and strongly influence our responses towards wildlife (Linnell et al., 2003;Dickman, 2010;Frank, 2016;Estien, 2023;Wilkinson, 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Linnell et al., 2003 source
    • cites Dickman, 2010 source
    • cites Frank, 2016 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Shipibo lore, jaguars take on different connotations based on coloration: yellow jaguars are sometimes viewed as masculine, protective, diurnal, and/or more than human, whereas black jaguars are viewed as feminine, nocturnal, evil, associated with sorcery, and/or less than human.

    “Yellow jaguars are sometimes viewed as masculine, protective, diurnal, and/or more than human, whereas black jaguars are viewed as feminine, nocturnal, evil, associated with sorcery, and/or less than human (Saunders, 1998).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Saunders, 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Individuals with rarer coloration can sometimes appear because of random mutations.

    “While many species, especially mammals, often have a finite range of colors (Caro, 2005), individuals with rarer coloration can sometimes appear because of random mutations (Caro, 2005;Fertl & Rosel, 2009;McCardle, 2012;Kreling, 2023).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Caro, 2005 source
    • cites Fertl & Rosel, 2009 source
    • cites McCardle, 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In European folklore, domestic black cats are perceived as omens of misfortune.

    “In European folklore, domestic black cats (Felis catus) are perceived as omens of misfortune (Jones & Hart, 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Jones & Hart, 2020 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    White stags feature in much European folklore in a variety of symbolic roles.

    “White stags feature in much European folklore in a variety of symbolic roles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Melanism is controlled by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and Agouti (ASIP) genes.

    “This trait is controlled by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and Agouti (ASIP) genes (Lamoreux et al., 2010), but similar colorations among individuals may also be conferred by different mutations within these genes (van Grouw, 2013;Grouw, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lamoreux et al., 2010 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The plaque below Coal's mount states that Coal was 'Moab's very own Melanistic Deer,' reflecting a degree of community pride and ownership towards the animal.

    “The plaque below the mount states that Coal was 'Moab's very own Melanistic Deer,' reflecting a degree of community pride and ownership towards the animal.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The creation of the Albino Squirrel Preservation Society highlights the intrinsic interest that people show for wildlife of alternative coloration and a willingness to give these individuals special treatment.

    “Though the club and international chapters closed their doors in 2003, the creation of such an organization highlights the intrinsic interest that people show for wildlife of alternative coloration and a willingness to give these individuals special treatment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Individuals may be more inclined to report individuals with charismatic coloration on community-gathered data platforms.

    “However, we caution the use of community-gathered data as individuals may be more inclined to report individuals with charismatic”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Individuals may be more inclined to report individuals with charismatic coloration on community-gathered data platforms.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The psychology of scarcity likely contributed to Carmine's relocation because Georgia law mandates euthanizing any trapped coyote, so his rare and distinctive coloration allowed him to evade the law.

    “The psychology of scarcity likely contributed to Carmine's relocation because Georgia law mandates euthanizing any trapped coyote, so his rare and distinctive coloration allowed him to evade the law.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Eastern gray squirrels are extremely common across the United States and are currently expanding their range.

    “Eastern gray squirrels are extremely common across the United States and are currently expanding their range (Benson, 2013;Creley et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Benson, 2013 source
    • cites Creley et al., 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Western culture, the color words 'white' and 'black' have often symbolically been in opposition, with 'white' carrying more positive connotations than 'black'.

    “In Western culture the etymology of the color words 'white' and 'black' has often symbolically been in opposition (Curta, 2004;Cirlot, 2006;Hunt, 2006;Selnick, 2012), with 'white' carrying more positive connotations than the color 'black' (Smith-McLallen et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Curta, 2004 source
    • cites Cirlot, 2006 source
    • cites Smith-McLallen et al., 2006 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Virginia Dare is said to haunt Roanoke Island as a white doe.

    “For example, Virginia Dare, who in 1587 was the first child to be born in the English Roanoke Colony in what is now Virginia, which mysteriously entirely disappeared by 1590, is said to haunt Roanoke Island as a white doe (Cartmill, 1996).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cartmill, 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Wisconsin ordinance prohibiting hunting and harvesting of leucistic and albino white-tailed deer was removed in 2008 to effectively manage chronic wasting disease prior to the regulation's permanent ratification in 2015.

    “However, this ordinance was removed in 2008 to effectively manage chronic wasting disease (Protect the White Deer, 2023) prior to the regulation's permanent ratification in 2015.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Protect the White Deer, 2023

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The basis of differential associations between white and black stems from early tribal fears of the night, dark, unknown, and unseen, dispelled by light of fire, moon, or sun.

    “Additionally, it is argued that the basis of these differential associations between these colors stem from early tribal fears of the night, the dark, the unknown, and the unseen, all of which are dispelled by the light of fire, the moon, or the sun (Smith-McLallen et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Smith-McLallen et al., 2006 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    While the ubiquity of Eastern gray squirrels reduces their novelty, the emergence of a variation in their pelage coloration may change the way they are generally regarded by communities.

    “While the ubiquity of Eastern gray squirrels reduces their novelty, the emergence of a variation in their pelage coloration may change the way they are generally regarded by communities (Chardonnet et al., 2002;Pearce et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Chardonnet et al., 2002 source
    • cites Pearce et al., 2017 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In central Texas, the hunting of melanistic deer is common and they are prized as trophies due to their rarity.

    “Melanistic white-tailed deer are exceptionally rare in the United States with the exception of central Texas (Baccus & Posey, 1999) where the hunting of melanistic deer is common and they are prized as trophies due their rarity (Traweek andWelch 1992, Smith, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Baccus & Posey, 1999

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Traweek andWelch 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Smith, 2011

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Current regulation from the Department of Natural Resources in Wisconsin prohibits the hunting and harvesting of leucistic and albino white-tailed deer, even with state approved permits and tags for the species.

    “Current regulation from the Department of Natural Resources in Wisconsin prohibits the hunting and harvesting of leucistic and albino white-tailed deer, even with state approved permits and tags for the species (Wisconsin Admin, 1940).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wisconsin Admin, 1940

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Multiple state laws exist to protect albinistic or leucistic white-tailed deer and other leucistic wildlife, but no such ordinances or statutes exist for melanistic deer.

    “While multiple state laws exist to protect albinistic or leucistic white-tailed deer (Wisconsin Admin, 1940, Illinois General Assembly, 1983, Iowa General Assembly, 1987) and other leucistic wildlife (Stencel & Ghent, 1987) no such ordinances or statutes exist for melanistic deer.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Wisconsin Admin, 1940

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Illinois General Assembly, 1983

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Iowa General Assembly, 1987

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Brockerville et al. (2013) suggest that leucism might provide a selective advantage by allowing white coyotes to blend in with the snow during winter months; alternatively, this coloration may make them more susceptible to hunters.

    “Brockerville et al. (2013) suggest that this leucism might provide a selective advantage by allowing the white coyotes to blend”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brockerville et al., 2013 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    The level of melanin production varies depending on the specific mutations, conferring a slight to extreme darkening in pelage compared to unaffected individuals.

    “The level of melanin production varies depending on the specific mutations occurring, conferring a slight to extreme darkening in pelage compared to unaffected individuals (Fig. 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Predators with charismatic coloration may not be as welcomed or celebrated as prey species with charismatic coloration.

    “With this added layer of contention, we may predict that predators with charismatic coloration may not be as welcomed or celebrated as prey species with charismatic coloration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    If charismatic coloration decreases fitness in these individuals and humans artificially inflate the population of these charismatic individuals through preferential treatment, it could decrease the overall fitness of the population by preserving deleterious genes within the population.

    “If charismatic coloration decreases fitness in these individuals and humans artificially inflate the population of these charismatic individuals through preferential treatment, it could decrease the overall fitness of the population by preserving deleterious genes within the population.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Wildlife with charismatic coloration is preferentially treated by humans.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    With the extirpation of Newfoundland's original wolf population in the 1930s, coyotes exploited the vacant niche by expanding their distribution to include all regions and habitats of insular Newfoundland, raising concerns about their potential impact on native wildlife.

    “In addition, with the extirpation of Newfoundland's original wolf population in the 1930s, coyotes exploited the vacant niche by expanding their distribution to include all regions and habitats of insular Newfoundland, raising concerns about their potential impact on native wildlife.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Social perceptions of coyotes have historically been contentious due to anti-predator campaigns and ongoing conflicts with livestock and pets and are today more polarized, especially in urban and suburban areas.

    “Social perceptions of coyotes have historically been contentious due to anti-predator campaigns and ongoing conflicts with livestock and pets and are today more polarized than ever, especially in urban and suburban areas where some charismatically colored individuals differs from treatment of the wildtype individuals across predators and prey.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In addition to state laws protecting leucistic and albinistic deer, many towns have shown strong community affection for these individuals.

    “In addition to state laws protecting leucistic and albinistic deer, many towns have also shown strong community affection for these individuals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Unlike squirrels and deer, there is an added layer of complexity that may skew the response to coyotes with charismatic coloration.

    “Unlike squirrels and deer, there is an added layer of complexity that may skew the response to coyotes with charismatic coloration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Especially in urban and suburban areas, wildlife that become habituated to people may be increasingly seen as pests, losing their wildness.

    “Especially in urban and suburban areas, wildlife that become habituated to people may be increasingly seen as pests, losing their “wildness” (Leong, 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Leong, 2009 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Greater understanding of the reasons why people perceive and respond to novel colorations in wildlife facilitates human-wildlife coexistence and fosters stewardship for the animals we collectively share space with.

    “Therefore, greater understanding of the reasons why people perceive and respond to novel colorations in wildlife facilitate human-wildlife coexistence and foster stewardship for the animals we collectively share space with.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In North America, squirrels and deer cause varying amounts of damage to urban infrastructure, residential housing, and agriculture, requiring costly management.

    “In North America, squirrels and deer cause varying amounts of damage to urban infrastructure, residential housing, and agriculture, requiring costly management (Flyger et al., 1983;Conover, 2001;McCleery et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Flyger et al., 1983
    • cites Conover, 2001 source
    • cites McCleery et al., 2007 source
67 of 67

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    How individual coloration may mediate human perceptions and appreciation of the value of animals has rarely been examined.

    “Yet, how individual coloration, which is vast and varied, may mediate our perceptions and appreciation of value of animals has rarely been examined.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There has been little research into the underlying human preference for rare colorations and how this may impact human-wildlife interactions.

    “While we understand many of the genetic and physiological factors that lead to variation in wildlife coloration, there has been little research into the underlying human preference for rare colorations how this may impact human-wildlife interactions.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Coyotes, eastern gray squirrels, white-tailed deer, and black-tailed deer are often considered nuisance species in North America and Europe due to their ubiquity.

    “These four taxa are often considered nuisance species in North America and Europe due to their ubiquity.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Wildlife with charismatic coloration is preferentially treated by humans.

    “Assuming that wildlife with charismatic coloration is preferentially treated by humans could have potentially significant impacts for wildlife conservation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Individuals may be more inclined to report individuals with charismatic coloration on community-gathered data platforms.

    “However, we caution the use of community-gathered data as individuals may be more inclined to report individuals with charismatic”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Human-wildlife interactions are increasing due to urbanization and habitat degradation.

    “As human-wildlife interactions increase due to urbanization and habitat degradation, it is necessary to further investigate how human-wildlife relationships are shaped by human values, attitudes, culture, and previous experiences with sisters or the lovers of hunters (Cartmill, 1996).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There has been little research focused on how the coloration of species or individuals impacts the ways they are perceived or treated by people.

    “However, there has been little research focused on how the coloration of species or individuals impacts the ways they are perceived or treated by people.”
7 of 7

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • White tigers and other leucistic species are known global crowd-pleasers often seen as lucky or pure.

    “This reflects broader preferences, as white tigers and other leucistic species are known global crowd-pleasers [21] often seen as lucky or pure [88].”

    From Tiger colour morphs in zoos raise conservation and welfare concerns (2026) · cites this paper as [21]

    The Discussion (page unavailable) says that killing leucistic or albino animals is associated with bad luck in many regions, supporting a connection between these animals and beliefs about luck. The paper does not say they are seen as pure or specifically make that claim about white tigers. The separate crowd-pleaser claim is attached to [21], not this source. (LLM, conf=0.78)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Charismatic colouration and novel appearance have proven to be powerful visitor draws and elicit increased dwell times.

    “Charismatic colouration and novel appearance have proven to be powerful visitor draws [21,27] and elicit increased dwell times [87].”

    From Tiger colour morphs in zoos raise conservation and welfare concerns (2026) · cites this paper as [21]

  • Colour morphs often arise from inbreeding practices with no conservation value.

    “when in fact such morphs often arise from inbreeding practices with no conservation value [21].”

    From Tiger colour morphs in zoos raise conservation and welfare concerns (2026) · cites this paper as [21]

    The Introduction says rare coloration can sometimes arise from random mutations, but it does not address whether color morphs often arise from inbreeding practices. The Conclusion discusses possible negative and positive conservation effects rather than establishing that such morphs have no conservation value. Searches for inbreeding and conservation benefit found no passage supporting the attributed claim. (LLM, conf=0.76)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Billodeaux, L. (2007). May 15. The Presence and Public Perception of Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Suburban and Rural Areas of Western Georgia. Thesis.
  2. Saunders, N. J. (1998). Icons of power: Feline symbolism in the Americas. Psychology.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Williams, T. D., Kreling, S. E. S., Stanton, L. A., Wilkinson, C. E., Estien, C. O., Schell, C. J., & Carlen, E. J.
Affiliations
  • University of California, Berkeley (US)
  • University of Washington (US)
  • Washington University in St. Louis (US)
Corresponding author
  • Williams, Tyus D.
  • Kreling, Samantha E. S.
ORCID
Venue
Human Ecology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2024-04
Volume
52
Issue
2
Pages
461-474
ISSN
  • 0300-7839 (ISSN-L)
  • 1572-9915
DOI
10.1007/s10745-024-00492-7
OpenAlex
W4394854997
Semantic Scholar
56ce9145108789bc93404fac7e29975054ef1fd6
Cited by
10
References
122
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 1
FWCI
4.23
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Human Ecology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Research Square (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (DGE-2146752)
  • The Graduate Research Opportunity Enhancement Fellowship, University of Washington-Seattle
  • Schmidt Futures and Partnership with Rhodes Trust
  • Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI-2109587)
  • Living Earth Collaborative
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Animal and Plant Science Education
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
  • Social Sciences › Geography, Planning and Development › Geographies of human-animal interactions
Keywords
melanism, leucism, albinism, color morphs, human perceptions of wildlife, charismatic megafauna, wildlife conservation, aesthetic appreciation, pests, coyote, Sciurus carolinensis, white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, color symbolism

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-28.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-28.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review