The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Chester Zoo have joined hands in a historic partnership to advance the conservation of the critically endangered Mountain Bongo. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the global efforts to protect one of Kenya’s iconic species from extinction. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), MKWC and Chester Zoo aim to leverage their combined expertise and resources to implement comprehensive conservation strategies.
The Mountain Bongo: A Symbol of Kenya’s Rich Biodiversity
The Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is a striking species, known for its unique spiral horns and reddish-brown coat adorned with white stripes. Native to the montane forests of Kenya, the Mountain Bongo has seen its population dwindle to critically low numbers due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Once abundant, this antelope is now classified as one of the world’s most endangered mammals, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild.
This partnership between MKWC and Chester Zoo is not just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the intricate biodiversity of Kenya’s highland ecosystems. The Mountain Bongo is more than a rare animal; it is a sentinel for the health of the forest ecosystem that supports it. As its numbers dwindle, the entire ecosystem faces the risk of destabilization, making this conservation effort crucial for both the species and the habitat it calls home.
A Comprehensive Approach to Conservation
The MoU outlines a collaborative effort that spans multiple fronts monitoring, research, knowledge transfer, and conservation education. The partners have committed to using cutting-edge technology, including real-time AI monitoring tools developed by ConservationAI at Liverpool John Moores University. These technologies will allow for enhanced monitoring of wild populations, enabling researchers to track movements, health, and reproductive patterns with unprecedented precision.
Real-time AI technology is pivotal in this partnership. It allows for the tracking of individual animals through advanced satellite and GPS tagging, providing insights into their behavior and interaction with their environment. This data-driven approach is crucial for understanding the Mountain Bongo’s needs in the wild and developing strategies to mitigate the challenges they face, such as habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.
Furthermore, MKWC and Chester Zoo will focus on research and knowledge transfer, particularly through staff exchanges and collaborative projects. By sharing expertise, MKWC staff will gain valuable skills in conservation techniques that can be applied locally. This exchange also allows for the integration of global knowledge into Kenya’s conservation efforts, ensuring that solutions developed are contextually relevant and effective.
Enhancing Conservation Education and Capacity Building
A significant component of this partnership is the emphasis on conservation education. The initiative seeks to build capacity among local communities and conservationists through education programs, workshops, and seminars. By involving local communities in the conservation efforts, the partnership aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting the Mountain Bongo and its habitat.
Chester Zoo’s global network of experts will also play a critical role in this education effort. By hosting workshops and providing training opportunities, they will help MKWC staff stay at the forefront of conservation science and practice. This knowledge transfer is essential for developing sustainable management strategies for the Mountain Bongo, both in captivity and in the wild.
A Milestone in Conservation Efforts
Humphrey Kariuki, Executive Patron of MKWC, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our conservation efforts. The Mountain Bongo is not only a symbol of Kenya’s rich biodiversity but also a species whose survival hinges on collaborations which integrate global expertise with local commitment for the greater good. This engagement will enhance research capabilities, leveraging and testing new technologies for the breeding and rewilding of the Mountain Bongo, to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species in the wild.”
Jamie Christon, Chief Executive Officer of Chester Zoo, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Conservation knows no borders, and the signing of this partnership today provides us with a platform to unite behind a shared purpose. By uniting our resources and expertise, we can make a difference for a species on the brink of extinction. It is our hope that this partnership is a strong strategic step for the conservation of the Mountain Bongo that can serve as a global model for safeguarding other endangered species in the future.”
Prof. Erastus Kanga, Director General of Kenya Wildlife Services, highlighted the broader implications of this partnership for conservation in Kenya. “The KWS Strategic Plan 2024-2028 reflects our commitment to fostering thriving wildlife populations by enhancing species recovery programs and improving wildlife health. Our partnership with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Chester Zoo marks a crucial step in advancing conservation through technology, research, and capacity building.”
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, this partnership will focus on accelerating the recovery and reintroduction of the Mountain Bongo into the wild. The integration of AI technologies, habitat monitoring, and advanced breeding techniques will be essential in this process. The goal is not just to save the Mountain Bongo from extinction but to create a sustainable future for this species and its habitat.
This collaboration serves as a beacon of hope for global conservation efforts, demonstrating that through strategic partnerships, shared expertise, and innovative solutions, even the most endangered species can have a chance at survival. As MKWC and Chester Zoo continue their work, they will be setting a precedent for other conservationists worldwide, ensuring that the Mountain Bongo and its unique ecosystem remain a vital part of Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.
