Bongo

Animal facts

Very little is known about bongos as they are very secretive.

Despite their large size, bongos can move swiftly through the forest. They lay their spiralled horns on their backs to prevent them from getting tangled in foliage.

Unlike other forest antelopes which are solitary, bongos live in herds. Females give birth to a single baby. Youngsters have the same markings as adults, but are lighter in colour.

Where they live

Equatorial Africa

Habitat

Dense forest

What they eat

Leaves, flowers, shoots and roots. They are also reported to eat burnt wood after lightning storms. This is probably to obtain salt and minerals.

IUCN status

Near threatened