Jim Kairu

The Mountain Bongo of Cherangani Hills, Kenya: Population Status and Habitat Suitability Assessment Jim Kairu

Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is one of the critically endangered large forest antelope currently endemic to mountain forests of Kenya. Its population status in some of these forests, including Cherangani hills, is unknown. Mountain bongo population is on decline due to poaching for meat and degradation of their fragile habitats. Forest in Cherangani hills has faced degradation. The study sought to determine the population status of mountain bongo and suitability of the Cherangani hills for mountain bongo survival. To achieve this, four methods were used. First, remote sensing and GIS were used to analyze the habitat suitability using Analytical hierarchy Process. Second, structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the relationship between local community and the conservation and management of forest resources where 100 respondents were systematically selected and interviewed. Third, reconnaissance walks were carried out for direct or indirect sightings and to assess human disturbance in Kapolet and Kipkunur forests. Lastly, 18 camera traps were mounted and left for three months in two forest blocks.