Data from: Spots all over: Records of piebaldism in red-tailed squirrel Syntheosciurus granatensis in northwestern Ecuador
Data files
Jun 30, 2026 version files 39.51 KB
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README.md
3.39 KB
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Viteri-Bassso_2026_SpotsAllOver_Data_V2.xlsx
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Abstract
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 70–3200 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.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.kkwh70skc
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset contains camera trap records collected from multiple wildlife monitoring projects conducted in northwestern Ecuador between 2014 and 2024. The dataset was compiled to document mammal records with abnormal pigmentation, particularly piebald individuals, and to support analyses presented in the associated manuscript.
Camera trap data were collected as part of long-term wildlife monitoring projects conducted in northwestern Ecuador. Images were independently reviewed to identify individuals exhibiting abnormal pigmentation. Piebald individuals were classified based on the presence of localized white patches while maintaining normally pigmented eyes.
Only independent detection events were included in the analyses following the criteria described in the associated manuscript.
The workbook contains both the complete camera trap dataset and a filtered dataset including only piebald observations.
Files and variables
File: Viteri-Bassso_2026_SpotsAllOver_Data_V2.xlsx
Description:
This Excel workbook contains camera trap records compiled from long-term wildlife monitoring projects conducted in northwestern Ecuador between 2014 and 2024. The dataset was assembled to document mammal records exhibiting abnormal pigmentation, particularly piebald individuals. The workbook contains two worksheets: ALL DATA, which includes all independent camera trap records used during data screening, and PIEBALDISM, which contains only records identified as piebald individuals and used in the analyses presented in the associated manuscript.
Worksheet: ALL DATA
Variables
- PROJECT ID – Unique identifier of the wildlife monitoring project.
- CAMERA TRAP STATION ID – Unique identifier of each camera trap station.
- DATE – Date of the camera trap detection (YYYY-MM-DD).
- TIME – Time of the detection (24-hour format; HH:MM:SS).
- COMMON NAME (ENG) – English common name of the detected species.
- COLORATION – Pigmentation category assigned during image review (e.g., Normal, Piebald).
Worksheet: PIEBALDISM
Variables
- PROJECT ID – Unique identifier of the wildlife monitoring project.
- CAMERA TRAP STATION ID – Unique identifier of the camera trap station.
- LAT – Latitude of the camera trap station (decimal degrees; WGS84).
- LONG – Longitude of the camera trap station (decimal degrees; WGS84).
- DATE – Date of the camera trap detection (YYYY-MM-DD).
- TIME – Time of the detection (24-hour format; HH:MM:SS).
- SCIENTIFIC NAME – Scientific name of the recorded species.
- COMMON NAME (ENG) – English common name of the recorded species.
- DESCRIPTION OF PIEBALDISM – Description of the distribution and extent of white pigmentation observed in the individual.
Missing values
Missing values are represented by blank (empty) cells. No special missing value codes (e.g., "NA" or "-9999") were used.
Code/software
The dataset can be opened using:
- Microsoft Excel (2016 or newer)
- LibreOffice Calc
- Google Sheets
- Any software capable of reading Excel (.xlsx) files