Dubbo Western Plains Zoo
Bongo
Tragelaphus eurycerus
Bongos live in "harem" groups with one dominant male and several females. The male gets to mate with them all! Sexually mature, young males form small bachelor groups before starting their own harem.
Although Bongos are still found in 10 countries from west to central Africa, they are now threatened due to habitat destruction and poaching. Their numbers are unknown.
When it rains, red colour runs from the Bongo's coat. Legend has it that the Zande people of Sudan believe a person will get leprosy (red hands) by touching a Bongo.
Photographs by Justin Sullivan. Some text courtesy of Dubbo Western Plains Zoo
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