ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MOUNTAIN BONGO IN MOUNT KENYA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY AREAS

Abstract

The study focused on assessing local community knowledge and attitudes towards Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) in Mt Kenya Forest using a descriptive research design. It was conducted in the community neighboring Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy in March 2020. We used interview schedules to assess respondent’s knowledge on the species habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value of the animals within Mount Kenya. Colored photographs of the Mountain Bongo and 12 other selected mammals found in the region were used to assess respondent’s ability to identify the animals and their knowledge on vernacular names of the animals. Interview results from a sample size of 142 informants were analyzed. The results showed that 71.8 % of the respondents could identify the mountain bongo but only 18.3% were aware of its vernacular name. Knowledge on habitat requirements, feeding habits, threats and conservation value differed significantly from what was expected (p<0.05). Based on logistic regression the knowledge could be predicted based on gender and age and whether one had a previous interaction with the animal. We found that 57% supported bongo conservation whereas 40.8% were undecided due to lack of knowledge about the animal. In addition, 27.5% liked mountain bongo because of attracting tourists, 12.0% felt that the antelope was attractive, 8.5% its size, 4.2% source of products such as bush meat, 4.2% aggressiveness and 0.7% its interesting behaviour. Support for conservation was associated with gender, age and knowledge of the animal. The bongo is well known but basic knowledge of the animal’s ecology is limited. A pro-conservation attitude exists in the community, but utilitarian value attached to it and its habitat could be a constant threat to its conservation in the area