In the forests of Mount Kenya, a quiet but urgent mission is unfolding—a mission to save one of the world’s most critically endangered antelope species, the Mountain Bongo. With fewer than 100 remaining in the wild, these animals are teetering on the brink of extinction.

Why the Mountain Bongo Is Endangered

The Mountain Bongo, a subspecies of antelope known for its striking chestnut coat and white stripes, is endemic to Kenya’s montane forests. This means they are found nowhere else on Earth. Once thriving across the lush, high-altitude forests of Kenya, their numbers have plummeted due to relentless poaching, habitat loss from human encroachment, diseases, and the absence of proper protection. As forested areas have been cleared for agriculture and development, the Mountain Bongo’s critical habitat has shrunk dramatically, leaving them vulnerable to predators and isolated from breeding populations.

The Importance of Habitat

The Mountain Bongo’s survival is intricately tied to its habitat—the dense montane forests of Mount Kenya. These forests are not only a home to the Mountain Bongo, they are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water flow, and even help combat climate change. The restoration and protection of these forests are as much about preserving the Mountain Bongo as they are about safeguarding the ecological health of the region.

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Kenya, the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary offers a beacon of hope. Spanning 776 acres of forest, this sanctuary represents a return to a former range for the Mountain Bongo and recreates part of the Mountain Bongo’s historic range, offering a protected environment where populations can recover and thrive.

Breeding and Rewilding Mountain Bongos for Survival

At the heart of the Mountain Bongo’s conservation efforts is the breeding and rewilding programme led by the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. This initiative aims to raise Mountain Bongo’s capable of surviving independently in the wild. Bongos born within the sanctuary will eventually be rewilded in protected areas, where they will help establish thriving populations and restore balance to the forest ecosystem. Achieving this goal requires careful monitoring, expert veterinary care, and the dedication of conservationists to ensure these antelopes are prepared for life in their ancestral forests

Collaborating to Protect Mount Kenya Wildlife

As we expand our conservation efforts into East Africa, Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa is proud to support the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy on this vital project. Together, we are working to ensure future generations can witness the Mountain Bongo thriving once again in Kenya’s highland forests.