Mountain Bongo: A Rare Jewel of the Highlands

The mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci), a rare antelope, is native to highland forests and savanna grasslands in East Africa. Recognizable by their chestnut coat with white stripes, these shy creatures prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover but often graze in open savanna clearings.

Mountain bongos are nocturnal and elusive, making them difficult to study. They play a vital ecological role as browsers, helping to shape vegetation structure in their habitat. Sadly, their populations are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts focus on restoring their savanna-forest habitats and supporting captive breeding programs.