Birding On a Shoestring: Gladys Porter Zoo of Brownsville, TX, Part 5

                                                              Yellow-backed Duiker

This antelope of the forest is found mainly in western and central Africa and are now classified as near threatened.  These animals become stressed easily and will run blindly from their perceived threat, sometimes causing themselves grave injury.  As a result, they are the most heavily hunted species in their range, because they are so easily frightened.  If the present trend continues, they will soon be a threatened species.

                                                                      Bushbuck

These African antelopes are marked with geometrically shaped white patches or spots on their bodies.  They are always found near a water supply and are either alone or with their mate, shy and elusive animals.

                                                                     Stanley Crane

Also known as the blue or paradise crane, it is the national bird of Africa, listed as vulnerable.  As altitudinal migrants, they move from the lower grasslands of 1300-2000 feet to lower altitudes for the winter.  It has the most restricted distribution, but is found over a wide range like our Whooping Cranes.  Since 1980 they have been on a rapid decline, generally due to poisoning (to protect crops), conversion of grassland to tree plantations, and population growth of humans.  They can also be poisoned by bait for other animals, as well as a side effect of crop dusting.

                                                               Red-flanked Duiker

One of the smallest species of antelope, it is only 13-15 inches in height.  As an adaptable African central and western species, it managed to increase its range with human help from logging and conversion to open savannah and farmland.  Though a species of least concern, it is losing numbers due to hunting.  fortunately, it resides in a number of protected areas and reserves where it is less likely to be killed for its meat.

These are all the animals that it was possible for writer to photograph at this outing, though there are still many more there.  Many animals are also unavailable to the public due to research and breeding.  The Gladys Porter Zoo has many dedicated scientists that are working with animals to keep them from becoming extinct, just as was originally intended by the zoo's namesake.