The Mountain Bongo is a critically endangered subspecies of the Bongo, one of the Largest Forest Antelopes, characterized by a reddish brown coat, with black, white and yellow-white Markings. Both Males & Females have slightly spiralled horns. They are rarely seen in Large herds. Bulls are Mostly solitary, while females with young form small herds of up to ten.

Mountain Bongo's are nocturnal with a lifespan of twenty years and are only found in the montane forests of Kenyan Highlands, including Aberdares and Mount Kenya, the highest population being here at Aberdare National Park, approaching one hundred individuals. Imagine, in order for them to survive here at Aberdare, a scientific decision was made to translocate all the Lions that were in this park, to other parks because this is the only place on earth where the Bongos can breed in vast numbers. Lions can survive in many Kenyan Parks. Lions used to feast them easily because the Bongos have low anti predation tactics. Currently there are no Lions in this Park, just because of these species.

In fact if you happen to visit Aberdare National Park in future and spot a lion, Kenya Wildlife Service has a reward for you, that's for sure. Decline of the Mountain Bongo has been caused by habitat loss and illegal hunting with Dogs. A Santuary is being Established to breed these species. The sanctuary is called Mawingu Mountain Bongo Santuary in Nanyuki, near Mount Kenya National Park.

#ConservationStatus - Near Threatened (Population Rapidly Decreasing)..