Overview and Description

Background Description of the Mountain Bongo ( Tragelaphus euryceros isaaci)

The mountain Bongo is one of Kenya’s most rare antelopes. It is the largest and heaviest of the forest
antelope and is one of the most brightly coloured of all, with the line of its back not straight but slightly hunched. A large male can weigh up to 450kgs. It can measure almost 8 feet from nose to tail, and can stand almost 5 feet in height. In
captivity in Europe the lifespan of the Bongo averages 14 years with the longest living record to be a female of 20 years. The bright chestnut colour of the Bongo becomes darker with age. There are 12 to 14 vertical white stripes on the shoulders, flanks and hindquarters, with other white patches about the face and legs. Their ears are very large and broad giving
excellent hearing.

As young males mature they leave their maternal groups and join other smaller male groups, whilst the older males often remain solitary. The females remain in small groups. Bongos are shy, nocturnal animals. They are
occasionally active during the day especially after heavy and continuous rain, when they may appear in the open. The Bongo are easily frightened and will seek cover, standing very still, highly alert for long periods, making a “snuffling” noise much as an Eland, when first disturbed, and thereafter remaining deadly silent.

The Bongo, are entirely browsers and are therefore restricted to areas with abundant year round growth of leaves and shoots of shrubs. They are fond of rotting wood and will range widely in their quest for appropriate
vegetation.


Current situation

The human population has increased considerably in the last decade in areas surrounding the Aberdare Forest. With this human increase there is a greater demand for meat regardless of source. Poaching, together with illegal logging activities over recent years have been a real threat to the Bongo. In 1975 there were estimated to be 500 of these magnificent antelopes on the Aberdares.

Bongo are susceptible to disease such as Rinderpest, and various predators such as lion have taken their toll, but
certainly the most serious of these predators are the people living near the forest.

With recent surveys, the current situation has indicated the actual numbers could be close to100. These graceful creatures are close to extinction and need our protection to
ensure their survival.