Seasonal Dietary Composition of the Mountain Bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus ssp. isaaci ) at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

ABSTRACT

The mountain bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus ssp. isaaci ) represents a rare and critically endangered subspecies endemic to the Afromontane forests of Kenya. This study investigated the seasonal dietary composition of the mountain bongo at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and the Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary. We conducted a two‐year observational study on the reintroduced wild population, employing random focal animal sampling at 30‐min intervals during active feeding periods from 06:00 to 11:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Following each sampling session, we allocated 10 min to collect plant samples for subsequent identification. The data collected included the plant species consumed, the time spent on each species and the specific plant parts browsed. A total of 80 plant species, representing 43 families, were identified as components of the mountain bongo's diet, encompassing trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, creepers, climbers and rhizomes. Seasonal variations exhibited minimal effects on herb or shrub consumption; however, conditions during the wet season were significantly correlated with a reduced likelihood of tree consumption. Seasonal dietary shifts, with reduced tree consumption during the wet season, underscore the importance of conserving a mosaic of vegetation types to ensure year‐round forage availability for mountain bongos.