Melanism

Melanism is a congenital high level of melanin in an organism resulting in dark pigmentation.

Black serval (Leptailurus serval)
Black eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Melanistic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are rare, and are used in rituals by Andean curanderos.

Pseudomelanism, also called abundism, is another variant of pigmentation, identifiable by dark spots or enlarged stripes, which cover a large part of the body of an animal, making it appear melanistic.

Melanosis is hyperpigmentation associated with increased melanin, which occurs as part of a number of conditions, some are benign (like freckles). Others are (or can become) malignant. Some conditions are congenital and others are acquired.

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