Latin Name |
Tragelaphus eurycerus |
Conservation Status |
Near Threatened |
Location
| West & Central Africa |
Colour |
Chestnut |
Length |
1.7 - 2.5 m (5.5 - 8.25 ft) |
Tail |
45 - 65 cms (18 - 26 inches) |
Weight |
210 - 405 Kgs (460 - 890 lbs) |
Life Expectancy |
Up to 19 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Bongos are the largest and most distinctive forest antelope. They have a body length between 1.7 and 2.5 m (5.5 - 8.25 ft), a tail length between 45 and 65 cms (18 - 26 inches) and they weigh between 210 and 405 Kgs (460 - 890 lbs).
They have a chestnut coat with 10 - 15 vertical, white stripes along their body, a white chest crescent, cheek spots, nose chevron and leg bands.
They have lyre shaped horns that can grow up to 95 cms (37 inches) in males.
Habitat
Bongos can be found in west and central Africa. Males are solitary but females form herds of up to 50 individuals.
Diet
Bongos are grazers and browsers and feed on a variety of vegetation including grasses, leaves, flowers, twigs, bark, vines, thistles and cereals.
Breeding
After a gestation period of 9 - 10 months Bongos give birth to a single calf that weighs approximately 19.5 kgs (43 lbs).
Bongos reach sexual maturity between 2 and 2.5 years of age.
Predators
Leopards, spotted hyenas, lions, pythons and humans are the main predators of Bongos.
Subspecies
Subspecies of the Bongo are:
Western or Lowland Bongo
(Tragelaphus eurycerus eurycerus)
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Eastern or Mountain Bongo
(Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Interesting Facts
Similar Animals
Greater Kudu
Lesser Kudu
Imbabala
Kewel
Nyala
Mountain Nyala
Sitatunga
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