LifespanUp to 9 years in the wild, and 21 years under human care.
Quick Facts
Eastern Bongos
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Stripes of the Forest
The eastern, or mountain, bongo is a subspecies of forest antelope, recognised by its rich chestnut coat and striking white vertical stripes. Both males and females have long, spiralled horns, while females are often more brightly coloured, helping them blend into shifting forest light and locate one another.
Bald Bongo Behaviour
Bongos are shy and elusive, fleeing quickly into dense forest when startled. As they run, they tilt their spiral horns back along their bodies to avoid snagging on vegetation. This behaviour, combined with navigating thick undergrowth, often results in hair loss along their backs.
Built for Dense Forests
With a large, powerful build and relatively short legs, bongos are well adapted to moving through dense vegetation. Their large ears enhance their hearing, helping them detect predators in thick forest habitats where visibility is limited and quick reactions are essential for survival.
Together, We Protect Wildlife
Safeguarding Species
Eastern bongos are critically endangered, with as few as an estimated 200 left in the wild. Large scale poaching and illegal trapping for food and skinshave even resulted in their complete elimination in some areas.
We work with member zoos to sustain the population of Eastern bongos under human care. Transfer of individuals for breeding enhances genetic diversity to maintain a healthy population.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
