Tag: conservation

The Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is an endangered tragelaphine antelope sub-species that is endemic to Kenya. Specifically found in four ranges: Aberdare ranges, Mount Kenya, Eburu and Mau Forests. Interesting facts about the Mountain Bongo The Mountain Bongo is the largest, heaviest and most colorful African forest antelope. It has an auburn or chestnut coat with 10 to 15 vertical whitish-yellow stripes running down its sides. They are quite timid and are easily frightened. Therefore, they prefer to live in dense and tangled undergrowth. They are found in high altitude montane forests of about 2000-3000 meters. The large ears are believed to sharpen their hearing and the distinctive coloration may help the bongos identify one another in their dark forest habitats. They are both browsers and grazers, eating a variety of leaves, shoots and grasses. They sometimes feed on leaves by using their horns to twist and break the branches of trees and shrubs. The bongo can reach a speed of 69 kilometres per hour when it needs to escape from predators. It runs with horns positioned parallel to its back to avoid contact with nearby vines and lianas. The Bongo has a lifespan of 12 years in the wild and up to 22 years in captivity. Critically Endangered The Mountain Bongo is classified as a ‘Critically Endangered Species’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Kenya has less than 100 individuals left in the wild and 76 individuals under in situ breeding program. The threat to the existence of the Mountain Bongo has been threefold:  The Bongo’s habitat has declined in size due to human encroachment, destruction and other economic activities. The Bongo was most priced trophy for sport hunters for both its beautiful coat and for trade in zoos around the world during the colonial