Samuel Njuki Mahiga, Msc Email and Phone Number

The Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus spp. isaaci) is a critically endangered, rare subspecies of antelope which is endemic to the Afromontane forests of Kenya. They are predominantly browsers, however, observation data on their browse selection are varying and their feeding ecology in the wild is not well understood. This study aims to determine spatial and temporal dietary composition, gut microbiota and endoparasite of the species at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and the new Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary. The study will focus on the reintroduced wild population in the newly Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary for a period of two years. Using random focal sampling, individual observation will be carried out in the field for 30 minutes intervals throughout the period of 06:00 Am to 11:00 Am and 16:00 Pm to 19:00 Pm when the animals are actively foraging. After each focal animal sampling 10 minutes will be used for plant sample collection and identification. Feeding data will include time spent on each plant species, plant species, and parts. The plant species will be identified and samples collected for laboratory nutritional content analysis. The data collected will be analysed R software using T-test and ANOVA. Where the data will not meet parametric assumption after transformation, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis non-parametric tests will be utilised for data analysis. Findings from this study will provide vital information to authorities, managers and practitioners involved with development of action and strategy for long-term population recovery and conservation of this iconic antelope in Kenya.

Karatina University School of Natural Resources & Environmental Studies.

Lecturer ( Field Ornithology, Plant Ecology, Museology and Photography, Advanced Ecology) Chuka University Faculty of Agriculture & Environmental Studies.

Coordinating and implementing community conservation education and development programmes. Running rural outreach programmes and school development programmes.

Conservation of birds and biodiversity through action-oriented research, training, documenting and disseminating information on birds and their habitats

Post translocation monitering of Rhinos zebras and Impala, Inventory of birds, Tsese fly controll in rhino sanctuary.