In a rare inclusion, the National Zoological Park has welcomed four water monitor lizards. Apart from that, four-horned antelope Tetracerus quadricornis, commonly called Chousingha, a highly endangered species, also entered the Delhi Zoo on Wednesday in an animal exchange programme.
Two male and two female four-year-old giant lizards, along with one male and two female three-year-old four-horned antelopes, have been accommodated in the National Zoo from Bhubaneswar.
“These animals have been brought from the Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha under animal exchange programme,” said RA Khan, Zoo curator. He added that the water monitor lizard has come for the first time in the Delhi Zoo.
The animals have been kept under quarantine and veterinarians are looking after them to make the animals adapt to the new environment. They will be released for display after 10 days, added Khan.
“We have also got four-horned antelopes, a highly endangered species,” said Khan, adding that they are giving proper care and treatment to them. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Chousinghas are highly vulnerable due to habitat loss. Having a life span of about 10-15 years, they are found in South Asia. In India they are found in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
With life span of 25-30 years, water monitor lizards are the native of South and South-East Asia. “Currently they are four feet long and weigh 10 kilograms,” said Khan and added that their length will continue to increase.
The zoo authority is making arrangements for these black giant lizards with small yellow spots on their body in the reptile house
Meanwhile, two male and three female thorn deers will be sent to Nandankanan Zoological Park as part of the exchange on May 22.