The little-known Natal red duiker can only be seen in Spain at BIOPARC Valencia, where 12 individuals have been born, serving as a model of well-being and success for the international conservation program for this African antelope. The calves are developing well and remain with their mother under the care of the technical staff. These numerous births demonstrate the commitment to biodiversity protection and offer hope for critically endangered species such as the drill, Mhorr gazelle, elephant, chimpanzee, and rhinoceros.
This summer, life is bursting forth at BIOPARC. Following the two recent drill “babies”, one of Africa's most endangered primates, now joins a New red duiker hatchling from Natal (Cephalophus natalensis), which once again positions the park as European benchmark in its protectionwith 12 births since its opening. This success in scientifically controlled breeding under human custody is fundamental to the International Endangered Species Programme (EEP) because it has allowed for the expansion of genetic reserve and create new groups in different centers to guarantee the survival of this delicate antelope that can only be seen in Spain at BIOPARC Valencia.
New red duiker hatchling from Natal
The parents are the young Fito (2022, Wroclaw Zoo, Poland) and Luna (2021, BIOPARC Valencia) who has given birth for the second time, in this case a beautiful female. During the first few weeks, the team in charge of her care will closely monitor her progress, supplementing breastfeeding with bottles. to ensure that you receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage.
For the time being, she remains indoors to ensure her well-being. However, Thanks to the progress of its development, it has begun to discover the unique multi-species enclosure of the equatorial rainforest where it will coexist with the oriental bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci), critically endangered, Kirk's dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) and black-crowned cranes (Balearica pavonina).
Video: This is how the red duiker pup born at BIOPARC Valencia is developing.
El Natal red duikerIt has glossy brown fur, except for its lighter underparts, and features a distinctive tuft of hair on its head. It is territorial and usually lives in pairs, pairs with one young, or alone. It has disappeared from large areas of its range as a result of habitat loss and hunting, and is listed as a threatened species. Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Committed to conservation
This birth, along with those of other endangered species such as rhinoceroses, elephants, Mhorr gazelles, and chimpanzees, shows that Every new life is also a glimmer of hopeIn this sense, it is a priority to join forces and coordinate actions that have a direct impact on the protection of nature, halting the loss of biodiversity.
Both BIOPARC Foundationas the the parks of Valencia, Fuengirola and the Gijón AquariumThey face the future with optimism by combining the campaigns in situ y ex situ with a cutting-edge approach to bringing the beauty of wild nature closer to society through the zoo-immersion technique and becoming major mobilization platforms through environmental education and outreachto awaken empathy and love for animals, as well as to defend our wonderful planet.
