The chick is the first of its species ever born in the country, marking an important step for conservation efforts
Lagos Zoo has become the first zoological institution in Portugal to successfully breed a southern ground hornbill, marking a significant achievement for the conservation of one of Africa’s most threatened bird species.
According to the zoo, it is healthy, remains under the care of its parents and is being closely monitored each day by the veterinary and animal care teams.
The breeding success follows 17 years of work with the parent birds and is being described as an important contribution to international breeding programmes, which aim to protect vulnerable species and maintain genetically healthy populations under human care.
The southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. Wild populations continue to face pressure from habitat loss, persecution and other human-related threats.
“This milestone reinforces the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and highlights the vital role modern zoos play in protecting endangered species for future generations,” Lagos Zoo says.
Native to the savannahs and grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, southern ground hornbills are the world’s largest hornbill species. Unlike most hornbills, they spend much of their time on the ground, where they feed on insects, reptiles and small mammals.
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo on The Resident.
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