Securing the Future

of Kenya’s Mountain Bongo

Welcome to Ragati & Chehe

Mountain Bongo Conservation Trust

The Trust

Our Mission

Ragati Chehe Mountain Bongo Conservation Trust Kenya works to protect one of Africa’s rarest antelopes — the mountain bongo — by rewilding captive individuals and restoring its natural habitat on the south western slopes of Mount Kenya. We unite science, community, and conservation action to ensure this species has a future in the wild.

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The Mountain Bongo

Overview

The eastern bongo or mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci), a mostly nocturnal forest antelope found in Kenya, is one of two sub-species of bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) which is only found in Central and Western Africa. While the lowland bongo population is considered ‘near threatened’, the mountain bongo is listed as ‘critically endangered’ according to the IUCN Red List and its only natural home is in Kenya.

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Our Focus Areas

Our Work and Impact

Collaboration

Working alongside national partners and global scientists.

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Habitat Protection

Safeguarding and restoring key forest areas.

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Species Recovery

Supporting rewilding and monitoring efforts.

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Community Programs

Ensuring active involvement of local communities.

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Research

Promoting science-based conservation.

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Our Work and Why it Matters

Why Mountain Bongo?

1. The Elusive Antelope of Kenya 2. The Bongo Decline 3. Where We Work 4. Why It Matters
The-elusive-antelope
Critically Endangered
The mountain bongo is a critically endangered antelope found only in Kenya’s alpine forests. These highland forests are more than just bongo habitat — they’re part of Kenya’s critical water towers, supplying freshwater and supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods.

With fewer than 65 individuals left in the wild, mountain bongos now survive in just four forest areas: Mount Kenya, Eburu Forest, the Aberdare Range, and the Mau Complex.

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Rebuilding Bongo Populations
The decline of the mountain bongo from a population of approximately 500 in the 1970s to under 65 today has been a result of:
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Illegal hunting
Disease and small population size
Ragati-Chehe-Forest-Conservation

Ragati/Chehe Forest

Despite these challenges, there is hope. We are working tirelessly with partners and communities to rebuild bongo populations through habitat restoration, rewilding, and forest protection.

We focus our conservation efforts on the Ragati Chehe Forest, on the southwestern slopes of Mount Kenya — historically a stronghold for wild mountain bongos.

Restoring-Mountain-Bongo-Populations

Why is this important?

Critically Endangered: Fewer than 65 mountain bongos remain in the wild.
Unique Ecosystem: Ragati/Chehe is part of Mt. Kenya’s vital biodiversity hotspot and historical rangeland of wild populations.
Water Source: Mount Kenya is a lifeline, feeding rivers and generating power for millions.
Community-Led: Conservation thrives when local communities are empowered and involved.
By protecting the mountain bongo, we help safeguard the entire forest ecosystem, from towering bamboo to elephants, birds, and the communities that rely on healthy, functioning landscapes.
Ragati & Chehe Mountain Bongo Conservation Trust

Founding Partners

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Rhino Ark Logo Black
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