From the white Iberian lynx in Spain to the howler monkeys of Costa Rica: Why do animals change color?

Animal Color Change: An Unresolved Mystery

Scientists are puzzled by the sudden change in coat color of a female Iberian lynx, known as Satureja, in the Spanish province of Jaén.

Unlike chameleons, octopuses, cuttlefish, and snowshoe hares, which naturally change color, Satureja's loss of brown and orange tones is unexpected.

She has retained the unique black spots that serve as a natural identifier for lynxes, allowing researchers to distinguish between individuals.

No one knows the reason for this striking change in coat color, which had already been observed in another lynx previously.

Researchers are calling for more studies to understand the role of environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals, in these anomalies.

Author's summary: Animals mysteriously change color.

EL PAÍS English — 2025-11-05