Rare Caramello-coloured croc stands out from the crowd

A leucistic crocodile rarely seen in the wild has been astounding wildlife spotters on the western coast of remote Cape York. See the pictures.

The Western Cape Eco Tours vessel based in Weipa.

A leucistic crocodile rarely seen in the wild has been astounding wildlife spotters on the western coast of remote Cape York.

The caramel-coloured croc has become a regular sight around Weipa in recent weeks.

But Western Cape Eco Tours owner Malcolm Slack said there were concerns for the crocodile after a video surfaced showing a big croc eating a smaller saltie near the Weipa bulk loader terminal.

A rare leucistic crocodile has become an attraction of Western Cape Eco Tours near Weipa. Picture: Malcolm Slack

“We thought he had made the mistake of leaving his area but it turns out it hasn’t,” he said.

The unusual 1.5m croc has been named Casper and is proving a drawcard for guests on board the Western Cape Eco Tour boat.

“I won’t say he’s fully albino, he’s Caramello in colour but he is still unique,” he said.

“When we go in and see him people get pretty excited, it’s not something you see everyday and it’s pretty cool.

“We are hoping he hangs around.”

The rare crocodile has been given the nickname Casper. Picture: Malcolm Slack

Albino crocodiles are known to occur in the wild once in every 30-50 million hatchlings due to the total absence of dark pigmentation called melanin.

One in 10,000 crocodiles hatch as leucistic.

Leucism is a genetic mutation that can produce piebald markings or, like in the case of Casper, paler skin pigmentation.

Casper has become a Cape York visitor drawcard. Picture: Malcolm Slack

“I have been in Weipa for 20 years and spend a lot of time on the water but have only ever seen one other croc like this,” he said.

“People can go a lifetime and not see a croc of that colour.

“He does get bullied around by the other crocs because he is different.

“Hopefully he can hold out for a few years, get longer and stay on the river.”

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Originally published as Rare Caramello-coloured croc stands out from the crowd