At the moment the 4 chicks of this peculiar African bird are kept in the interior enclosure under the custody and care of the mother.
In the beautiful and impressive African habitats that can be seen in BIOPARC Valencia, an area is especially admired by people attracted to the world of birds. The recreation of the surprising granite formations of the savannah called Kopje, hides a beautiful aviary with a multitude of species of all sizes and colors, from Abdim's storks, hammerhead birds, white spoonbills or kingfishers and, next to them, the the only group in Spain of a very special mammal, the rock hyrax. Among this sample of rich biodiversity, the Valencian park houses the only pair of Senegalese Lapwing in our country (Vanellus senegallus) which, for the first time, has had a clutch of 4 chicks.
The male Senegalese Lapwing remains in the aviary where it lives with different species of birds and one of the mammals that can only be seen in BIOPARC, the unknown rock hyrax.
From birth and to offer maximum well-being to the chicks and the mother, The veterinary team has determined to keep them during the first days in the interior technical area. The objective is to promote development and upbringing by providing all the necessary care and tranquility. As with other similar species, the chicks of the Senegalese Lapwing have perfected the technique of mimetic plumage, which allows them to camouflage themselves among stones and pebbles, thus protecting themselves from possible predators. Feeding from birth follows the same diet as their parents, with an insect supplement to help their growth. For now the evolution is very positive and the objective is for them to be reunited with the parent who remains in the outdoor area in view of the people who visit BIOPARC.
The Senegalese Lapwing is included in the IUCN Red List, its main threat being the deterioration of its natural habitat.
Originally from Africa, The most characteristic attribute of the Senegalese Lapwing is the hanging caruncle. on both sides of the beak, yellow with a red top. Also striking is its long legs and brown plumage, adorned with black and white striated veins on the neck. And it is recognized for the strident sounds it emits both to communicate and to mark its territory. Included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (International Union for Conservation of Nature), for the moment with “Least Concern”. Its main danger is pollution and climate change which is causing the deterioration of its natural habitat, generally areas of humid grasslands, where it feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
Again, BIOPARC wants to draw attention to the importance of making known the immense variety of species that represent the great wealth of our planet.. This wonderful biodiversity is at a defining moment, facing an unprecedented decline. In this sense, knowledge and awareness about the role we can play is essential to make the appropriate decisions now to conserve and offer future generations the possibility of enjoying this extraordinary home that is the Earth.
