BIOPARC Fuengirola celebrates the arrival of a male western sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus), a semi-aquatic antelope native to the swampy ecosystems of central and western Africa. This specimen is currently adapting to its new home, where four females of its own species already coexist. The introduction is part of an ex situ conservation program that seeks to preserve the genetic diversity of this little-known subspecies, threatened by the degradation of its natural habitat.
The new male, still a juvenile, has begun exploring the enclosure under the watchful eye of his companions. Although he has not yet fully developed his imposing presence, he will soon begin to display the traits of adulthood, such as his majestic spiral antlers. His dark brown fur, dotted with fine white lines, distinctive of the male, is already visible.
Unlike the females, which are smaller and reddish in color and hornless, this specimen displays the marked sexual dimorphism characteristic of the species. Its progressive integration into the female group is being supervised by the Bioparc technical team, who are pleased to observe how it adapts to both the environment and its new companions. The young male has allowed, at the direction of the EAZA, Bioparc Fuengirola to once again establish a reproductive group of this species. It has not had one since 2013, when the former male was transferred to another conservation center.
Despite being classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, the western sitatunga It is under increasing pressure in the wild due to the destruction of wetlands, poaching and agricultural expansion.. Therefore, their presence in conservation centers like Bioparc Fuengirola is essential to ensuring their future.
This new resident is located in one of the park's most iconic multi-species enclosures: the African Wetland Habitat
In this unique space, visitors can observe the natural interaction between different species such as the African spoonbill, the elegant crowned crane, and the African tantalus, which share the environment with the sitatungas. Furthermore, occasionally, the curious ring-tailed lemurs, from the neighboring island of Madagascar, make brief forays into the area, adding a dose of dynamism and surprise to the tour.
Multi-species enclosures like this one not only enrich the visitor experience but also play a crucial role in animal welfare. By allowing coexistence with other compatible species, each animal's natural instincts and unique behaviors are stimulated: from foraging to environmental surveillance and social interaction. This innovative approach, aligned with the principles of ethology and ecological design, promotes a more active, balanced, and healthy life for the species that inhabit Bioparc.
With this addition, Bioparc Fuengirola strengthens its commitment to the active conservation of endangered species and the dissemination of the biodiversity of the planet's most fragile tropical ecosystems.
About BIOPARC Fuengirola
BIOPARC Fuengirola is a next-generation park focused on conservation, education, and animal welfare. Through an immersive recreation of tropical habitats, it allows visitors to discover emblematic species from Africa, Asia, and Madagascar in environments that encourage natural animal behavior. Its model is based on interspecific coexistence, sustainability, and respect for biodiversity.
