(BSS) - Nilgai once roamed freely in large numbers across the plains and scrublands of Bangladesh, particularly in the districts of Thakurgaon, Naogaon, Panchagarh, Dinajpur, and Joypurhat.

After being absent for several decades, Nilgai reappeared in Bangladesh in 2018, with several crossing the Indian border into the Thakurgaon, Naogaon and Panchagarh areas.

At that time, the Bangladesh Forest Department rescued several Nilgai and initiated efforts for their captive breeding and conservation in various protected areas, including Ramsagar National Park in Dinajpur.

As part of this ongoing initiative, authorities began a conservation programme for Nilgai at the Gazipur Safari Park. The Nilgai population there has now increased with the arrival of four new calves.

Although they were born in the `core safari` area about a month ago, the authorities kept the news private until now to ensure their safety and proper care. The arrival of these new additions has sparked great excitement among visitors to the safari park, especially children.

According to the park officials, staff members first spotted the four calves in the deer enclosure of the core safari area.

The newborns are currently in excellent health. In addition to nursing, they spend their time roaming around and playing with other animals in the open grounds of the core safari.

Due to their young age, their sex has not yet been determined. With these four new additions, the total number of Nilgai at the park has reached 13.

Wildlife Inspector Md Raju Ahmed told BSS that the calves were first spotted about a month ago.

The news was not immediately shared with the media, as the safety of the animals was the primary concern, he said, adding that the calves are currently in perfect health and are being kept under constant, specialised supervision.

Confirming this, Md Tarek Rahman, the park`s officer-in-charge and Assistant Conservator of Forests, said the sight of the four calves roaming and playing together has become a major attraction for visitors.

Both children and adults are delighted to see these new arrivals, he said.

Meanwhile, M K M Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (in-charge) for the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department in the Dhaka region, told BSS that the park authorities have been issued specific directives following the birth of the four Nilgai calves.

He said instructions have been given to ensure the safety of the calves, provide necessary care, and maintain continuous monitoring.

Nilgai is the largest antelope species in Asia. The name "Nilgai" is derived from the Hindi words "nil" (blue) and "gai" (cow). Adult male Nilgais have a dark, bluish-grey coat, which is the origin of the name.