NAIROBI, Feb 24 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya has welcomed back 17 Mountain Bongos, a third generation of the critically endangered antelope, taken away in the 1960s.
The rare animals flown from Florida, USA, arrived in the country at about 9:10 P.M. Sunday and have been taken to Meru, where they will be quarantined first, as they are slowly reintegrated into the Kenyan ecosystem.
According to wildlife experts, the mountain bongos are originally Kenyan and their existence elsewhere in the world is a testament that they were taken away from here.
The 17, once integrated into the ecosystem, are expected to breed and produce a different breed, and probably save them from extinction, considering the country has less than 100 mountain bongos.
Tourism cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano says the plan is to see the numbers grow to more than 700 by 2050.
This repatriation comes after years of cross-nation talks that have seen several multilateral negotiations signed.
The first repatriation was in 2004 when another batch was flown into the country.
Kenya Wildlife Services Director General Dr. Erastus Kanga disclosed Kenya is expecting another batch from Europe in the next 3 months as the country gears to increase its numbers and enhance tourism.
The operation is key in enhancing the country’s conservation efforts and creating an environment that cements Kenya’s place as a winner in tourism across the region.
“The initiative not only enhances our leadership in wildlife preservation but also aims to revive the critically endangered species, boosting their population and creating jobs while improving community livelihoods” he stated.
Both CS Miano and DG Kanga say the return of the mountain bongos will be key in bringing back biodiversity in the ecosystem.
“As we grow the mountain bongo population, we anticipate more tourists and increased revenue for Kenya. Together, we are building a sustainable future for our wildlife and communities!” said the CS.
She added “It has been rare to spot these animals for mountain lovers, but as numbers increase, they would be spotted”
Mountain Bongo is a critically endangered antelope whose population has drastically declined from approximately 500 in the 1970s to fewer than 100 in the wild today in Kenya.
The decline is primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal activities, disease, and small fragmented populations, threatening the survival of this rare species. — NNN-KBC
