Rare white crocodile is spotted in the Northern Territory

A rare white crocodile named Pearl has been spotted in the Northern Territory playing up for guests on a tour boat in the Adelaide River. 

Wildlife Guide Mike Keighley, who spotted Pearl for the first time five weeks ago, said the white crocodile suffers from a condition known as hypomelanism.

Ecologist Shai Ager was on the tourist cruise when the three-metre reptile was spotted.  

Wildlife Guide Mike Keighley, who spotted Pearl for the first time five weeks ago, said the white crocodile suffers from a condition known as hypomelanism

‘We saw the white albino crocodile and, as far as I’m aware, it was only seen last November so a lot of people weren’t sure if it was still alive or not,’ Ms Ager said. 

‘It’s really good news to see that it’s alive and it’s almost three metres long now.’

ABC News reported the crocodile could be related to an infamous white-headed croc shot dead after it killed a fisherman who entered the water in 2014.

The 4.5 metre crocodile, named Michael Jackson, was considered by experts as a ‘one-in-a-million’ rarity at the time of his death. 

ABC News reported the crocodile (pictured) could be related to an infamous white-headed croc shot dead after it killed a fisherman who entered the water in 2014

Michael Jackson was well-known among the community and was easily identifiable, whereas Pearl (pictured) is believed to be relatively new to the area

Michael Jackson was well-known among the community and was easily identifiable.

Pearl however, is believed to be relatively new to the area.  

Mr Keighley was in charge of the crew who first discovered the rare reptile, saying they became attached after deciding to name it.

‘This one came up five weeks ago and just stood out and surprised all our crew,’ Mr Keighley told the ABC.