Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 28: Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru is experiencing a joyful baby boom, with numerous species of animals giving birth to young ones over the past month. A total of 14 species of animals and birds in captivity have contributed to the growing population at the zoo.
Among the remarkable births are those of the wild dog (Cuon alpinus), mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), and black buck (Antilope cervicapra), all of which are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Pilikula Biological Park, recognised as a significant zoo by the Central Zoo Authority, has seen notable additions to its wildlife population.
During this period, the park welcomed five wild dog pups, three baby mouse deer, three young golden jackals, and five black buck fawns. These births have increased the park's stocks to 17 wild dogs, nine mouse deer, 37 golden jackals, and 56 black bucks.
Additionally, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), categorised as "nearly threatened" by the IUCN, gave birth to two cubs, bringing their total count to 10.
Other animals that have welcomed new offsprings include red-handed tamarin (Saguinus Midas – two), nilgai (Boselaphus Tragocamelus - four), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus Amphibious - one), sambar deer (Rusa Unicolor – four), spotted deer (Axis Axis – 10), barking deer (Muntiacus Muntjak – two), and marsh crocodile (Crocodylus Palustris – five).
The red-handed tamarin, introduced to the park a year ago, is a 'new world' monkey native to Brazil and Venezuela. With a lifespan of around 10 years, these monkeys live in groups of 15 members and have a gestation period of four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half months, typically giving birth to two offsprings.
"They are exceptional climbers and superb jumpers, feeding on eggs, insects, frogs, spiders, lizards, nectar, leaves, fruits, and flowers," Bhandary, an official at the park, shared.
Among the birds, muscovy duck (Cairina Moschata) laid eggs and hatched 10 little ones, while a white black buck (Antilope cervicapra) was also born in the past month.