Page 40 - World of Animals - Issue #33

Endangered

Eastern mountain bongo

The eastern mountain bongo is one of that they could become extinct in the
EASTERN MOUNTAIN
BONGO the most beautiful species of African next 20 years due to illegal hunting to
Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci

Class Mammalia forest antelopes. However, they are fulfil a demand for meat and skins.
critically endangered and suffering The situation has reached crisis point
widespread declines. Experts have as the remaining populations are

Territory Africa estimated there are fewer than 100 fragmented and extremely lacking in
Diet Leaves, grasses, shrubs
Lifespan 19 years individuals left in the wild, and argue genetic diversity.
Adult weight 150-405kg
(330-890lb)
Conservation status

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

“Poaching has been a key
factor for the decline of

populations and as a result
they are now completely

extinct in some areas”

The causes

of extinction

Decline in habitat
Habitat destruction is a problem facing many of the
world’s species and sadly, the bongo is no different.
Land use change means many environments can
no longer support as many animals, especially when
relentless commercial forestry expansion threatens
to exploit what is left of the antelope’s habitat.
Hunting

The bongo is extensively hunted for meat and
poachers lay traps and snares, or hunt in groups
using dogs. As the number of human settlements
increase and encroach onto bongo habitat, the
requirement for food will also increase.
Disease
There has been a large rise in the number of
grazing cattle across Africa and particularly
throughout much of the bongo’s range. This
contributes to disease transmission and arguably
has had a greater impact on bongo conservation
than hunting. Large epidemics of rinderpest have
g r e a t l y r e d u c e d t h e n u m b e r o f b o n g o s i n K e n y a .
greatly reduced the number of bongos in Kenya.
What you can do…

WWW.WOBURNSAFARI.CO.UK/CONSERVATION
For more information on what you can do and how you can help,
visit Woburn Safari Park’s website, where you can read all about
the ongoing projects to help safeguard the world’s species.

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