Current data on the reproduction of Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis in zoological parks
Résumé
Abstract: The Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis is currently facing numerous dangers throughout its natural range. The major threats include human overpopulaton, deforestaton, and degradaton of its habitat. It is classifed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Now, this species is rare or even absent in most zoos. Given the threats encountered by this species in the wild, its reproducton was analyzed from animal data obtained in European and Indian zoological parks during 39 consecutve years from 1977 to 2016. There was an average of 1.42 new-borns per liter. Twins were more numerous than singletons. Sexual maturity in females did not occur before 18–36 months of age. Most females, however, reproduced for the frst tme much later, on average at 6–7 years of age and more than half of females produced only one liter. In females that raised their young, new fertlizaton generally took place 101 days afer the preceding birthing. In Indian zoos, where temperatures vary litle between seasons, births were numerous in September–February, especially in September–November when rainfall decreases, contrary to deaths that occurred predominantly in June–August during peak rainfall. In European zoos, most liters occurred in December–February. Thus, Four-horned Antelopes maintain part of the birth season of their natve countries, despite unfavourable local climate conditons. Deaths of individuals also occurred mainly in December–February in European parks, i.e., during the coldest season. Globally, more males than females died during the frst month of life as in other species, but not so afer that age. On the whole, there is a low reproductve success in populatons of the Four-horned Antelope under managed care compared to other ruminant species. This could partly be due to husbandry and management procedures of individuals in these parks. This raises the queston of the possibility of reintroducing individuals into the wild from ex situ livestock
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