Bongo

The bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), the most colourful African antelope, relies on clearings in the forest for food and cover. Rainforest with a thick canopy has too little vegetation at ground level. The bongo frequents openings that let in sunlight, encouraging dense growth of bushes, herbs, creepers and bamboo. These clearings might have been made by logging, temporary cultivation or even elephants, which can be fairly destructive eaters. When moving through the forest, the bongo rests its huge horns - which can be up to 100cm long - on its back so they do not become entangled, and often has bare patches on its hide where the tips rest. It also uses its horns to break off high branches when feeding. It prefers young, high-carbohydrate, low-fibre leaves and takes garden produce and cereal crops when it can. Being fast and well-camouflaged it is difficult to shoot but is hunted with dogs by local people to provide food.