Genetics of the Endangered Kenyan Mountain Bongo Antelope: Molecular approaches in the conservation and management of the Kenyan bongo antelope.

Abstract

The mountain bongo referred by its “lovers” as the jewel of the Kenyan mountain jungles is a strikingly beautiful species. Sadly, bongo populations have declined drastically in the recent years with only a few pockets of the animal found in isolated forests. The good news is that stakeholders ranging from conservationists, scholars and the local community have recognised the need to save the remaining bongo populations. Currently, the bongo is almost synonymous to the Aberdare ranges which has been wholly fenced, thanks to the sponsors of this noble call, to protect the species alongside black rhino, Diceros bicornis, which is similarly under great conservation threat. This book reports one of the pioneering efforts using modern molecular techniques to aid in the conservation process of the species. It reports primary genetic findings with the aim of stimulating people to step up the conservation of this jewel. The conservation of this species is not only a responsibility we owe to nature but also a precious present to the generations to come and to the many visitors from around the globe who visit the mountain jungles.