Mountain Bongo
QUICK FACTS
Scientific Name
Tragelaphus eurycerus
Species Survival Plan
Yes
Habitat
Tropical jungles with dense undergrowth
Predators
Leopard and man
Food
Leaves, shoots and grasses
Originally Native To
Congo Basin
Height
42 - 51 inches at shoulder
Weight
525 - 880 lb.
Characteristics
Red chestnut coat, 10-15 vertical stripes; lyre-shaped horns in both sexes
Gestation Period
9 months
Offspring
1 Calf
Birth Season
Any season
Lifespan
Wild ?
Captivity 19 years
Social Behavior
Solitary, in pairs or small groups of 9 or less; females and young
About Mountain Bongo
The bongo, a striking coppery red antelope with white stripes, is shy and elusive. Most active at dusk and dawn, they will emerge at night to visit salt licks.
There appears to be a female hierarchy in the herd. Female social grooming also indicates that females may stay together for long periods of time and establish a rank order. At Fossil Rim, as well as in the wild, a female leads the group, in single file, to water or food and will return in the same way.
Poaching, habitat destruction and illegal trapping for food and skins have resulted in the decline of bongo populations. Hunting with dogs has also impacted this species.
Fortunately, there have been concerted conservation efforts over the last few decades to help protect the bongo. A robust captive population and full protection under the Kenyan Wildlife Service have helped increase bongo numbers in the wild.
Captive individuals from America have been used in the Bongo Repatriation Program. In January of 2004, the first captive bongos were moved to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.
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ANYTHING YOU GIVE HELPS THE ANIMALS
As a private nonprofit corporation, Fossil Rim does not receive national or state government support. Every cent spent or donated here goes in some way, directly or indirectly, toward the care of our animals.