Latest news with #IndianChevrotain
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vizag announces birth of red necked wallaby, mouse deer
Visakhapatnam: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in the port city announced the birth of a Red-Necked Wallaby and a Mouse Deer. The authorities say that Red-Necked Wallabies have a breeding season from December to May, though it can occur year-round in favourable conditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Females give birth to a single joey after a gestation period of about 30 days. The newborn joey is tiny and immediately crawls into its mother's pouch, where it will continue to develop and nurse for around seven months. After leaving the pouch, the joey continues to suckle for several more months until it is fully weaned at about 12 months old. The Mouse Deer is the smallest deer species amongst the deer family. It is a rare species to spot in the wild because of its shy and cryptic nature. The Mouse Deer, or Indian Chevrotain, plays a major role in the forest ecosystem as a seed disperser and forms important prey for many small and large carnivores. Though it is commonly found in most forested areas, it is listed in Schedule I and considered endangered in the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) due to frequent hunting for its bushmeat. "This achievement is a result of our dedicated team's hard work and expertise in animal care and breeding programmes. The zoo continues to focus on conservation breeding programmes and wildlife protection, providing a safe and naturalistic habitat for its animals' welfare," the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park curator, G Mangamma, said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Vizag zoo welcomes newborn endangered mouse deer and red-necked wallaby
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) on Thursday announced that its conservation and breeding efforts have resulted in the birth of a red-necked wallaby and a mouse deer within the zoo premises. The mouse deer, also known as the Indian Chevrotain is the smallest deer species in the deer family and is known for its elusive and shy nature. It is a rare species to spot in the wild. The mouse deer plays a major role in the forest ecosystem as a seed disperser and is important prey for many small and large carnivores. Curator of the IGZP, G Mangamma said: 'The mouse deer is commonly found in most forested areas and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) due to frequent hunting for its bushmeat.' She added that the new births are an achievement and a testament to our team's dedication, hard work and expertise in animal care and breeding programme. She said: 'The zoo continues to focus on conservation breeding programmes and wildlife protection, providing a safe and naturalistic habitat for the welfare of animals.' The zoo authorities said: 'Both the new members are being closely supervised, and visitors can soon catch a glimpse of them as they grow and adapt.'
