Bongo
(Tragelaphus eurycerus) The Western or Lowland Bongo is a large, near threatened species of antelope found naturally in dense tropical jungles of west central Africa.
ID
Female Bongo
Bongos are characterized by their bright, auburn coat lined with 10-15 white, vertical stripes, believed to be used in identification and camouflage in dark undergrowth habitats. Their faces are marked with a white band running from cheek to cheek across the snout and a dark brown/mahogany muzzle. White streaks may also be seen just above the jawline, on the throat and on the front and inside forelegs. Bongos have a ridge of spiked hair, running the length of their spine. In young, this hair may appear longer and more pronounced. Thick lyre-shaped horns grow upward and spiral slightly, often with ivory tips. Both males and females have horns. Adult males sport longer, thicker horns and a much darker, almost chocolate, coat. Horn lengths span from 21″ to 40″, with lengths over 27″ being above average. Males will weigh from 530 to 660 lbs and up to 900 lbs. Females weigh, on average, 530 lbs.
Behavior
Males are often solitary and females and young usually form groups of 6-8 individuals. Unlike most antelope species, bongos have no special secretion glands, therefore rely very little on scent. They do, however, rely heavily on sight and sound in identification of other bongos and predators. They use an array of vocalizations to communicate including snorts, grunts, moos and bleat-like alarm calls. In order to navigate dense vegetation, bongos will tilt their heads back, laying there horns on their backs. This sometimes results in rubbing “bald” spots that can become visible on the back of older bongos.
Food habits
Like most ungulates, bongos are herbivorous browsers. Their diets include leaves, grasses, shrubs, vines, roots, fruits, and even bark of rotting trees. Bongos require salt in their diet, and are known to regularly visit natural salt licks. There have been reports of animals consuming burned wood after lightning storms. This behavior is believed to be a means of maintaining salt and minerals levels. They have long prehensile tongues that allow them to grasp vegetation while feeding. Bongos require habitat with a permanent water source.
Breeding
Peak breeding takes place from October to January in native environments. They have a gestation period of 9 months; giving birth to 1 calf. Birthing usually occurs between June and September. After birth, calves are abandoned in dense undergrowth as a tactic to avoid attention from predators. Mothers return periodically to the young.
Life Span
Up to 19 years observed in zoos
Keeping Bongo
Bongos are great jumpers but prefer to under or around obstacles. Can jump low fence if motivated, but 7.5 ft. fence is usually adequate to contain. Bongos require a permanent water source. They are most comfortable in habitats with a portion being dense vegetation.
Interesting fact
When Bongos are wet, passing a hand over their hide leaves a bright orange coloring on your hand!
Bongo Hunting
Due to limited numbers on ranches in the U.S. and overall rarity, expect to pay upwards of $45,000 for a trophy bongo bull in the U.S. There are only estimated to be around 400 individuals in North America to date.
Special Note: A close relative of the Lowland bongo, The Mountain Bongo, has gone extinct in their native Kenya as a result of overhunting, poaching, and habitat destrution. Due to recent conservation efforts and with the help of U.S. zoo breeding programs, the bongo is now being reintroduced to it’s native Kenya. For more on this story see video below .
Scoring Your Trophy Bongo
SCI Record Book Minimums:
| Standard | Bow | |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 70" | 63" |
| Silver | 76 4/8" | --" |
| Gold | 82 2/8" | 63 2/8" |
Current Record(s) Held:
#1 - 97 & 4/8 - Bill H. Clark
#2 - 95 & 1/8 - John G. Bacon (pictured)
Score Your Trophy
Click here to find an official Safari Club International (SCI) Measurer.