Sunday, 26 March 2023
Saturday, 25 March 2023
Friday, 24 March 2023
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Thursday, 23 March 2023
8-3-2023 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - EASTERN BONGO (Tragelaphus eurycerus ssp. isaaci)
The bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) is a large, mostly nocturnal, forest-dwelling antelope, native to sub-Saharan Africa. Bongos are characterised by a striking reddish-brown coat, black and white markings, white-yellow stripes and long slightly spiralled horns. It is the only tragelaphid in which both sexes have horns. Bongos have a complex social interaction and are found in African dense forest mosaics. They are the third-largest antelope in the world.
The western or lowland bongo, T. e. eurycerus, faces an ongoing population decline, and the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group considers it to be Near Threatened on the conservation status scale.
The eastern or mountain bongo, T. e. isaaci, of Kenya, has a coat even more vibrant than that of T. e. eurycerus. The mountain bongo is only found in the wild in a few mountain regions of central Kenya. This bongo is classified by the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group as Critically Endangered, with fewer individuals in the wild than in captivity (where it breeds readily).
Wednesday, 22 March 2023
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
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Monday, 20 March 2023
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Sunday, 19 March 2023
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8-3-2023 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - NATAL RED DUIKER (Cephalophorus natalensis ssp. natalensis)
The Natal red duiker (Cephalophorus natalensis natalensis) is a small, forest-dwelling antelope native to southern Africa. Standing roughly 43 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing between 11 and 14 kg, this highly territorial herbivore is easily recognized by its rich chestnut-red coat and distinctive dark tuft of hair on its head.
Physical Characteristics
Size: Adults measure 70–80 cm in head-and-body length, with longer hind legs giving them a signature hunched posture.
Horns: Unlike many other antelopes, both males and females possess short, straight horns (typically 6 cm long) that feature coarse basal rings.
Coloration: They feature a deep reddish-brown upper body and a paler underside. The nape and throat turn ash-grey with age, and their tail ends in a conspicuous tuft of black, red, and white hair.
Diet and Behavior
Feeding: They are concentrate feeders, relying on freshly fallen fruits, flowers, and leaves from forest canopies.
Activity: Primarily diurnal, they are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons.
Social Structure: Highly territorial, they usually live alone, in pairs, or in small family units. Males actively mark their territory using facial glands.
Habitat and Conservation
Distribution: This specific subspecies is restricted to dense thickets and indigenous forests in northeastern South Africa (primarily KwaZulu-Natal) and Swaziland.
Status: Populations are primarily concentrated in protected areas like the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. While they face localized pressure from bushmeat hunting and trophy hunting, the broader species remains classified as Least Concern.
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