The bongo is the largest antelope found in Africa’s tropical rainforests.
This striking antelope has a rich chestnut coat marked with narrow white stripes, which may help break up its outline in patterned forest light. Both sexes have spiral horns, although those of males are generally heavier.
Bongos browse on leaves, shoots, bark, grasses, and herbs. Their large ears and strong hearing help them detect danger in dense vegetation, while their colouring provides camouflage in the understory.
The species occurs in central and western African forests, with a distinct mountain population in Kenya. The bongo is sometimes confused with the larger giant eland, but giant eland are mainly woodland and savanna antelope rather than specialized rainforest animals.