It appears to be physically strong and has a steady gait, showing that the albinism probably hasn't affected its health.

The unusual panda was caught by a camera that was triggered by the panda's movement as it passed by in early April.

The white panda's appearance is caused by albinism, a rare genetically inherited condition that prevents the normal synthesis of melanin, resulting in white hair or pale skin, as well as reddish eyes. Giant pandas are one of eight bear species, and albinism has been recorded in many other species of bears, though rarely.

Albinism does not affect body structure or activities, but it does make an animal easier to spot and more sensitive to direct sunlight, Li Sheng, a Peking University researcher, said in the statement.

Li, who belongs to the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said it was the first recorded image of a wild giant panda that is fully white. There have been sightings of brown-and-white pandas in Qinling, a mountainous region in the north-western Chinese province of Shaanxi.

"I think it's quite random for it to be discovered, since albinism manifests itself so infrequently," Li said. "This was recorded just in time."

"Based on the photo, albinism has not affected the life of the white panda much," Li said. "It looks quite well, quite strong."

AP with The New York Times