Deep in the montane forests of Kenya lives one of the world’s rarest antelope species, the Mountain Bongo. With fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild, their survival hangs in the balance. But thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service, there is hope.

At the heart of this effort is Dr. Robert Aruho, Head of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Under his leadership, the Mountain Bongo Breeding and Rewilding Program is working to give this critically endangered species a second chance. Through habitat restoration, expert care and collaboration with local and national partners, Dr. Aruho and his team are helping to restore the Mountain Bongo to its rightful place in Kenya’s forests.

We sat down with Dr. Aruho to learn more about his personal journey, the challenges and victories of rewilding one of Africa’s most endangered antelopes, and what gives him hope for the future of wildlife conservation in Kenya.

 

Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to take on this role at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

I have been very fortunate to follow my dream career, inspired by close interactions with wildlife from an early age. In 1992, I made a promise to my mother that I would become a wildlife veterinary doctor even though I didn’t yet fully understand what that entailed. That commitment shaped both my academic choices and professional journey, and it has been a deeply rewarding privilege.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was approached by the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy to support their Mountain Bongo conservation project. Interestingly, I first learned about bongos in 2018 during a research mission in Uganda, where we unexpectedly recorded the presence of a lowland bongo, the first verified record in the country’s history. I was part of the team led by Nixon Stuart from Chester Zoo, originally searching for okapi.

The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, together with the Kenya Wildlife Service, believed that my leadership could help revive the Mountain Bongo program and I accepted the call. I had previously trained with the Kenya Wildlife Service during a staff exchange program in 2015–2016. Although reversing the extinction of the Mountain Bongo was a daunting challenge, I considered it a noble responsibility.

 

As Head of the Conservancy, what does your day-to-day work involve, especially in relation to the Mountain Bongo conservation program?

My primary responsibility is to provide strategic direction and technical oversight for the Mountain Bongo program. My day typically begins at dawn and ends at dusk. I’m actively involved in field monitoring, ensuring the Bongo team has the support they need, and promptly addressing any issues that arise during monitoring.

 

Congratulations on being selected as a finalist for the 2024 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation. What does this recognition mean to you personally, and how does it reflect on the work being done at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy?

Being recognized as a finalist is a significant highlight of my conservation journey and a testament to the impactful work we are doing at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. It shows that even when we work quietly behind the scenes, our efforts are being noticed. This recognition is powerful encouragement to continue our mission.

 

Why is the Mountain Bongo such an important species to conserve, both ecologically and culturally in Kenya?

The Mountain Bongo is truly part of Kenya’s natural heritage. It is only found in the wild in Kenya, making it a species of global importance rooted in our country. Every Mountain Bongo seen anywhere in the world can trace its origin to Kenya.

Its natural habitat, Kenya’s montane forests in Mount Kenya and the Aberdares—is the source of major rivers that supply nearly 70% of the country’s freshwater. The presence of the critically endangered Mountain Bongo creates a compelling reason to conserve these forests and maintain the purity of our water sources.

 

With fewer than 100 Mountain Bongos left in the wild, what are the biggest threats this species continues to face today?

The greatest threats to the Mountain Bongo are habitat loss and the impacts of climate change. Deforestation has fragmented their populations, accelerating their decline. Unpredictable weather patterns, extreme droughts or prolonged floods, caused by climate change further complicate their survival.

 

The rewilding of a critically endangered species is a complex and delicate process. What have been some of the most significant challenges in bringing the Mountain Bongo back from the brink of extinction?

A key challenge is restoring the species’ natural resilience and behavioral traits required for survival in the wild. This process demands patience and a deep understanding of their adaptation journey. Inadequate human capacity and limited funding also make the rewilding process particularly demanding.

 

Can you share more about the history and purpose of the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary and why this location was chosen?

The Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary was designated in 2008 as the future site for rewilding efforts. This decision was informed by the discovery of the last known Mountain Bongo skull in the area, confirming that the region historically supported the species.

With an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level, the sanctuary offers a pristine, secure environment. River Likki runs through it, providing a permanent water source and abundant browse ideal conditions for sustaining Mountain Bongos.

 

How do you prepare Mountain Bongos that were born or raised in captivity, especially those repatriated from zoos, for life in the wild?

It is a rigorous, science-based process involving behavioral and ecological adaptation. The preparation follows four phases: acclimatization, adaptation, transitioning, and rewilding. We assess key survival traits such as browsing ability, disease and parasite resistance, flight or fight responses, and maternal behavior. Bongos that exhibit strong traits are advanced to the next phase, while others remain under human care but continue to contribute to breeding efforts.

 

What kind of monitoring or behavioral adaptation is required before the Mountain Bongos are deemed ready for rewilding?

Readiness is indicated by consistent browsing behavior with minimal dependence on supplemental feeding, strong flight or fight responses, and, for females, robust maternal instincts. Selection is guided by lineage performance and experience, especially among young mothers.

 

How does the Conservancy work with partners like Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service to make this program possible?

We maintain close collaboration with both Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS). KWS, as the government authority overseeing wildlife management, provides oversight and support across all our activities. KFS has granted access to the forest reserve where our sanctuary is located. Their tangible support is crucial to the success of our program.

 

Are there plans to introduce Mountain Bongos into other parts of their historical range beyond the sanctuary?

Yes, the national Mountain Bongo Recovery Plan envisions establishing a metapopulation of 750 Mountain Bongos in Kenya by 2050. This includes reintroducing the species into parts of its historical range beyond the sanctuary.

 

What does success look like for this rewilding project in the next five to ten years?

A new Mountain Bongo Action Plan is being developed to guide the overall direction of Mountain Bongo conservation in Kenya over the next five to ten years. Reinforcing existing populations, such as in Aberdares National Park, and re-establishing populations in former Bongo ranges are key to accelerating recovery. Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary will play a central role in this effort and is expected to host over 120 Mountain Bongos. These efforts will be led and guided by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

 

Beyond protecting the Mountain Bongo, how does this initiative contribute to broader ecosystem restoration and forest conservation on Mount Kenya?

Our conservation work extends into ecosystem restoration. Each year, we plant 5,000 indigenous trees in partnership with local communities. These efforts have not only created wildlife migration corridors but also generated sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing the link between conservation and community well-being.

 

What role does community engagement or education play in the long-term sustainability of this project?

Communities are the backbone of our conservation efforts. Their involvement fosters ownership and responsibility. Over the years, we have not recorded a single poaching incident, thanks to the proactive protection offered by local communities.

We also host 40,000 school children annually through our conservation education program. These visits provide a “live classroom” experience, helping students understand real-world challenges around human-wildlife coexistence.

 

What gives you the most hope when it comes to the future of the Mountain Bongo and wildlife conservation in Kenya as a whole?

We are on the right path. The momentum is building, and I am confident that we will reverse the Mountain Bongo’s extinction trajectory.

 

Hope on the Horizon

Thanks to the Mountain Bongo Breeding and Rewilding Program, Kenya is leading the way in giving this species a fighting chance. Through collaboration, science, and dedication, the dream of seeing Mountain Bongos thrive in their natural habitat once again is becoming a reality.

Together, with the support of conservation partners and local communities, these efforts remind us all that when we work together, we can make a difference—one species, one habitat, one future at a time.