The Mountain Bongo Surveillance Project has carried out a systematic survey over the last 3 years in the Bongo’s natural habitat essentially in the Aberdares and most recently on Mt Kenya. It is the first detailed survey of Bongo for over 30 years, using new technology such as GPS and scientific analysis.

The Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is the largest and heaviest of the forest antelope.

The Bongo Surveillance Project Team have completed an extensive tracking programme in the Aberdares and Mt Kenya. During this process the team have successfully collected Bongo dung for DNA analysis. This has formed the basis of some most valuable evidence. In addition camera trap records have also provided visual records of the remaining bongo and their locations.

It was feared as few Bongo had been seen over the last few years, they may have disappeared completely, from these forests. This initial research was invaluable and proved a plan of action was vital to protect these remaining herds. Through the evidence collected, it indicates there are potentially fewer than 150 Mountain Bongo remaining in the wild.

Way Forward to Conserve the Mountain Bongo.

1). By the project team working in collaboration with the communities and with key partners such as Kenyan Wildlife Services and.

2) By identifying and protecting these key areas where the herds are living is an immediate priority.

3) By engaging the support of the community through the local schools, there is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to conservation and protecting the Bongo and its natural habitat.

The project sets out to achieve the following aims:-

To support four - six schools with an educational programme in the Aberdares and Mt Kenya region, in locations, near to identified Mountain Bongo herds.

By arranging familiarisation visits, to Aberdares National Park, Mt Kenya Mountain Bongo Repatriation Project.

To support an activity programme by engaging a local Wildlife Clubs Coordinator to form Bongo Wildlife clubs and to facilitate activities, with pupils, teachers and wildlife club patrons.

Tree Planting programme

To inform the children and communities of the importance of the value of Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, for water catchment, biodiversity, tourism, and employment.