Kenya has imported 17 mountain bongos from the United States of America to replenish the endangered species in its natural habitat.
A DHL plane carrying the 17 mountain bongos arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday, February 23, and was received by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
Speaking after they arrived at JKIA, Miano said the move will boost tourism and conservation.
"We have received 17 mountain bongos. It is a very rare breed. It is just emotional and I think our country is going to another level. This is a double benefit for tourism and conservation," said Miano.According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, the critically endangered mountain bongo population has drastically declined from approximately 500 individuals in the 1970s to fewer than 100 in Kenya today.
This decline is primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal activities, disease and small fragmented populations, threatening the survival of this rare species.
