Conservationists step up efforts to protect endangered Mountain Bongo

The air is filled with the melodious chirping of birds while the midday sun's rays filter through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

Amidst this natural splendor, conservationists from government and non-governmental organisations converge to witness a momentous occasion, the inauguration of the Ragati Forest Mountain Bongo security site.

This collaborative effort stands as a beacon of hope for the endangered Mountain Bongo, with less than 100 remaining in the wild worldwide.

"Today, amidst the scenic beauty of Ragati Forest, we celebrate a significant milestone, the launch of the Ragati-chehe Forest Mountain Bongo security site," declared Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director of Rhino Ark.

He spoke as he, alongside Clement Lanthier, President and the CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, cut the ribbon, to officially unveil the plaque.

This site consists of six iron-sheet huts painted green, a wooden watchtower constructed atop ancient towering trees, solar panels, a water tank, and a kitchen, among other structures.

Its purpose is to support a joint security unit composed of Kenya Forest Services (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and community scouts.

Their role is to oversee the safety and security of the forest from this remote base, ensuring the protection of the Bongo population and any reintroduced in the future.

The joint security force will venture deep into the forest, utilising it as a strategic hub. Additionally, the camera trap team will operate from this site, enhancing surveillance efforts.

The Mountain Bongo, found exclusively in Kenya, is a critically endangered species, endemic to various regions, including Aberdare, Mount Kenya, Cheranganis Hills, and the Mau Forests Complex.

The launch of the Mountain Bongo security site at Ragati Forest in Mt Kenya Forest ecosystem. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

In addition to population goals, efforts are underway to educate communities about the importance of conservation.

Peter Munene, Conservation Education Officer, has been instrumental in creating awareness in the community and conducting education in schools neighboring the Mt Kenya Forest ecosystem.

"Collaboration is integral to our work. We partner with the Ministry of Education, operating closely with various administrative levels to ensure the success of our conservation education initiatives."

"Together, we've developed a comprehensive conservation curriculum tailored for schools within a five to eight-kilometer radius from forest borders or buffer zones," says Munene.

Training plays a crucial role in sustaining conservation efforts, especially for endangered species often hunted for their meat and horns.

Munene explains that they empower passionate teachers as frontier leaders to ensure continuous curriculum delivery, even in their absence.

Additionally, they have established a network of community conservation champions, volunteers trained across various modules to bridge communication gaps between communities, schools, and forests.

"Engaging local communities, we've established Bongo Wildlife Clubs in schools near forest patches to raise awareness and garner support for conservation. Furthermore, we've implemented community projects such as biogas and solar lighting initiatives to address environmental and socio-economic needs, significantly reducing threats like forest destruction and poaching," adds Munene.

Lambrechts emphasizes that while the journey ahead may seem daunting, the stakes are too high to falter.

"The survival of the Mountain Bongo hinges on our collective action. Through perseverance, collaboration, and community engagement, we are committed to securing a future where the majestic Bongos once again roam freely in their natural habitat," he says.