Since the discovery of the new gene in 2000, there have been several more sightings of this unusual gene, the furthest away from the U.S.A. being Singapore.

The gene itself has probably existed for quite awhile and has gone unnoticed because it superficially mimics other phenotypes of currently known colour varieties (Ruby-eyed whites, white-bellied cream, and the self cream, the red-eyed silver nutmeg)  Not many breeders would take a second look at these colours unless they kept good genetic records, and then wondered why these colours were appearing in litters when they shouldn’t be!

The most obvious indication of the genes presence is the azure slate in a litter, however a keen sense of genetics when cream or ruby-eyed whites appear unexpectedly in a litter, or a cross with one of these colours produces anything but what was expected, maybe the first clue that there is another gene at work causing these coat colours to appear

Below is a map currently showing where the gene has probably appeared.  At the moment none of these cases have proven conclusive, but the breeders have either contacted myself or Ed at eGerbil, and subsequently M.I.G. (the mutation investigation group) members from the International Gerbil Society are helping them with their breeding efforts whenever possible.