Home > Mammals > Hoofed Mammals
Bongo

Bongo


A Bongo and four Calves




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

 


Contact         About         Glossary         Site Map         Privacy Policy

CC 2006 - 2014 theanimalfiles.com