A pilot study of the bongo antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus), increasingly a target of safari hunters, was undertaken from May to August 1995 in the region of Mombongo, Congo. Preliminary investigation of bongo demography, herd structure, ranging, and feeding ecology demonstrated that the area is used extensively by the region's bongo population(s).
Historic and current indigenous use of the Mombongo area and knowledge and exploitation of bongo were assessed through interviews with indigenous hunters. Feeding ecology investigation (by direct observation and tracking of individuals) identified 70 species eaten by bongo. Direct observations conducted from platforms in the bai (forest clearing) complex of Mombongo resulted in information on bongo population structure, social organization, group composition, group size, and activity patterns. Bongo were observed 73 times. An event recorder/remote camera unit was deployed June 3 - August 7 at three different points in a bai frequently used by bongo and forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis); 256 photographs of bongos were generated, and 62 bongo were identified via stripe pattern, facial spots, and horn shape.
Observations of the dynamics of the Mombongo forest clearings and large mammal species led to insight into animal-bai interaction. The natural mineral licks, bais, and habitats of the study area were described and mapped. Elephant and bongo activity (feeding on soil and vegetation) was observed to alter the structure of the clearings. Aerial videography of the area suggested that the bai complex may have been formed by an oxbow of the Sangha River and rests in a basin 10-30 m lower than the surrounding habitat.
Vegetation in the forest clearings was in various stages of succession and animal activity. General habitat types were described. By the end of the study period, animal activity levels had altered the physical structure of many of the bais of the complex. The structure of the bai complex and high activity levels will permit the testing of hypotheses concerning the ecological relationships in large mammal-bai ecosystems. Direct observation and ground-based and aerial photographic monitoring methods were examined. Methodological and conservation management recommendations are made. Includes references. (Author abstract)
