Habitat: Dense Forest of Africa
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari
Many of us know the safari driver line about the "ghost of the forest," that is the bongo. It is called that due to its ability to blend into the broken light and foliage of the jungle. The chestnut brown fur and white stripes are deceptively good camouflage. Adding to its mystery is the fact that is mostly nocturnal (a trait generally not true for its savanna brethren). Also, it is one of the largest of Africa's antelopes and certainly one of its most beautiful.
The bongo lives in the densest jungles of Africa. There, it eats mostly leaves, grasses and roots as well the occasional fruit. It has a long prehensile tongue that it uses to pull up grass and pull off leaves. It will also eat the burnt bark of trees scorched by lightning, a behavior it shares with okapi. It is believed these animals do this to obtain otherwise hard to come by minerals.
This antelope species is currently listed as Near Threatened and estimates put the total population at around 28,000. Habitat destruction being the biggest culprit in the animal's decline, although its beautiful coat makes it a favorite poacher's target. It is part of the SSP program throughout North American zoos.
By Safari Mike
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