Future of Eastern Bongo in Australasia

[Zoofan15]

Future of Eastern Bongo in Australasia

Introduction:

Following the completion of the Australian Bovid IRA in 2021, I thought it’d be interesting to create a thread to discuss the future of the breeding programme.

This discussion thread will operate independently from the Australasian population thread, which will continue to be used for the sole purpose of posting births, deaths and transfers.

There are currently 5.2 Eastern bongo housed across three facilities:

Spoiler: Regional Population 2023

Australasian Eastern Bongo Population (2023)

Monarto Safari Park:

1.0 Isaac (20/01/2012) Ndugu x Binti

Taronga Zoo:

1.0 Ekundu (23/11/2005) Marraquie x Shani

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

0.1 Djembe (15/09/2008) Marraquie x Nambala
1.0 Kulungu (26/11/2010) Ndugu x Binti
0.1 Maisha (00/00/2013) Imported 2016
1.0 Kamau (05/09/2018) Kulungu x Djembe
1.0 Masikio (21/11/2022) Kulungu x Djembe

Total regional population: 5.2 bongo

Aaaaa

 

[Zoofan15]

To study the future, we must learn from the past…

There’s some interesting information regarding regional planning in 2010, which although over a decade out of date - offers an insight into where the regional population could be headed.

In 2010, the ZAA was planning to import bongo. It was proposed the antelope would be quarantined in New Zealand, who at that time was able to import from South Africa, Singapore, the United States and Canada; as well as Australia.

26 spaces were allocated for bongo in 2010 across the following facilities: Adelaide, Altina, Halls Gap, Melbourne, Monarto, Dubbo, Taronga and Werribee. Since a further 27 spaces were allocated for Greater kudu, it was suggested by at least one user that placements for these two species could be merged (i.e. focus on one or the other) due to them being from the same genus and having similar requirements.

The United States was identified as the likely source of imports in 2010. There were 365 Eastern bongo housed across 59 facilities in the Americas according to the 2012 studbook.

 

[Zoofan15]

Where we’re up to…

A lot has changed since 2010. The plan to import from the United States never eventuated and in 2016, a single female was imported from 2016. This female has never bred and the population has decreased from eight bongo in 2012 to seven bongo in 2023.

Greater kudu have indeed been phased out, but since there was no plans in 2010 to import Lowland nyala (same genus as Eastern bongo and Greater kudu), it’s possible they’ve taken the places allocated for kudu - instead of bongo as hoped.

In 2021, the Australian Bovid IRA was completed. This allows Australian zoos to import directly from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Looking into the future…

The current holders (Taronga, Dubbo and Monarto); along with Altina, represent the most realistic prospects for the future of this species in the region. I’m hopeful some of the smaller zoos will be interested in playing a supporting role - holding bulls etc.

Europe and the United States remain the strongholds of the international captive population. As of 2012, Europe held 186 bongo across 46 facilities and the Americas held 365 bongo across 59 facilities. A number of facilities held herds numbering in the double digits and could surely supply a number of males and females.

If previous imports have proved anything, it’s that multiple founders are needed. Females can breed from the age of two and deliver a calf annually throughout their 15-20 year lifespan. The record as of 2012 was 17 calves to one dam. However, it should be noted this is statistically unusual and we’ve struggled to establish a sustainable population in Australasia from a limited founder base.

I’m of the opinion, the regional breeding programme would be best served by the import of at least four males and four females across two facilities with the aim of building up medium to large sized herds. First generation female offspring would be exchanged between the herds to avoid inbreeding; and male offspring castrated, so they can remain in the herd. The two additional males would be subbed in when required to take the place of the original founder males. Dependent on space, this plan could be modified to include existing bulls within the region in place of new founders.

 

[Abbey]

Thanks for this thread. It's an interesting conversation to have.

Are Australia's Bongos managed as an extension of the SSP in the US? Either way, but especially if not, that would open up importation from the European countries you've listed above.

The fluke of the very high ratio of male calves has not helped the breeding program and the development of large herds as you've mentioned. Of the 14 calves which have been sexed and named, only 4 have been females (Shani, Binti, Djembe and Kiazi) - and 1 was exported, potentially in exchange for Maisha, who has never bred.

Looking at Zootierliste, there are 40 facilities in Europe holding Bongo, in the countries from which Australia can import.

 

[zoomaniac]

If opinions from outside of OZ are also welcome, then here is mine:

First, it is great that import regulations for Bovids are not that strong anymore and make room for a conservation support of Australian zoos for this genus/family.
Now, regarding the very low stock of Bongos in Downunder, imports from EU and USA are needed immediately. And could/should be expanded with other related species.

Because of the climatic advantages in most parts of Australia, Bongos, Sitatungas, Nyalas, Greater and Lesser Kudus could be kept outdoors year round. Most of them are easy to feed and handle. Space FOR MORE THEN ONE OF THIS SPECIES shouldn't be a problem either, looking at the fact, that many if not most zoos and safari parks in OZ have it (specially Monarto, Dubbo, Werribee, Australia Zoo). At least, most if not all can keep one of them (and maybe the few zoos in NZL can/will join the party).

And I wouldn't stopp with those IF(!) imports of wild cattle is also possible now. So Forest Buffalos, Anoas, Gaur and - although not threatened yet - Cape Buffalos would be next. Then maybe Wildebeests/Gnus, Oryx species, Gazelles, Okapis and a pure subspecies of Giraffe...

Just imagine how Australian animal parks could improve thereselves that way. They could offer a real African experience instead of using place holders like blackbuck or bisons. I'm sure, that would boost the revenue thru tourism (foreign and domestic).

 

[Abbey]

If opinions from outside of OZ are also welcome, then here is mine:

First, it is great that import regulations for Bovids are not that strong anymore and make room for a conservation support of Australian zoos for this genus/family.
Now, regarding the very low stock of Bongos in Downunder, imports from EU and USA are needed immediately. And could/should be expanded with other related species.

Because of the climatic advantages in most parts of Australia, Bongos, Sitatungas, Nyalas, Greater and Lesser Kudus could be kept outdoors year round. Most of them are easy to feed and handle. Space FOR MORE THEN ONE OF THIS SPECIES shouldn't be a problem either, looking at the fact, that many if not most zoos and safari parks in OZ have it (specially Monarto, Dubbo, Werribee, Australia Zoo). At least, most if not all can keep one of them (and maybe the few zoos in NZL can/will join the party).

And I wouldn't stopp with those IF(!) imports of wild cattle is also possible now. So Forest Buffalos, Anoas, Gaur and - although not threatened yet - Cape Buffalos would be next. Then maybe Wildebeests/Gnus, Oryx species, Gazelles, Okapis and a pure subspecies of Giraffe...

Just imagine how Australian animal parks could improve thereselves that way. They could offer a real African experience instead of using place holders like blackbuck or bisons. I'm sure, that would boost the revenue thru tourism (foreign and domestic).

Thanks for your input. I agree, although there are still some import restrictions which impact the open range zoos and the import of ungulate species.

These are the Bovid species which can currently be imported into Australia:

*Nilgai, Boselaphus tragocamelus
*Waterbuck, Kobus ellipsiprymnus
*Red Lechwe, Kobus leche
*Dama Gazelle, Nanger dama ruficollis
*Grant's Gazelle, Nanger granti
*Scmitar-horned Oryx, Oryx dammah
*Gemsbok, Oryx gazella
*Addax, Addax nasomaculatus
*Sable Antelope, Hippotragus niger
*Eland, Taurotragus oryx
*Nyala, Tragelaphus angasii
*Bongo, Tragelaphus eurycerus
*Sitatunga, Tragelaphus spekii
*Greater Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros

(thanks to @WhistlingKite24 who compiled this list in another thread)

As far as I'm aware, the zoos are currently working on being able to import Hippos, then Giraffes (which would include Okapi) would be next. New Zealand can import Giraffe species, but are yet to do so under the new regulations.

I definitely agree that it would be great to have more of these species established, and Dubbo, Monarto and Werribee would be ideal locations for them.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this thread. It's an interesting conversation to have.

Are Australia's Bongos managed as an extension of the SSP in the US? Either way, but especially if not, that would open up importation from the European countries you've listed above.

The fluke of the very high ratio of male calves has not helped the breeding program and the development of large herds as you've mentioned. Of the 14 calves which have been sexed and named, only 4 have been females (Shani, Binti, Djembe and Kiazi) - and 1 was exported, potentially in exchange for Maisha, who has never bred.

Looking at Zootierliste, there are 40 facilities in Europe holding Bongo, in the countries from which Australia can import.

Australasia’s Eastern bongo are managed independently by the region. The regional coordinator is based at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

There’s countless options both within Europe and the United States. One of the US facilities had 75 bongo in 2012. Given how lengthy the importation process is from the US, Europe is probably the easier route and could surely supply us with multiple males and females.

Singapore Zoo had bred 43 Eastern bongo by 2012, but by that same year had a holding of 1.2 adults which had just began to breed (producing a male calf in 2012; and Maisha the following year). I don’t know statistics for how this herd performed over the next decade but I imagine Maisha was the only young female they could supply at the time and required the exchange of Kiazi.

 

[Zoofan15]

If opinions from outside of OZ are also welcome, then here is mine:

First, it is great that import regulations for Bovids are not that strong anymore and make room for a conservation support of Australian zoos for this genus/family.
Now, regarding the very low stock of Bongos in Downunder, imports from EU and USA are needed immediately. And could/should be expanded with other related species.

Because of the climatic advantages in most parts of Australia, Bongos, Sitatungas, Nyalas, Greater and Lesser Kudus could be kept outdoors year round. Most of them are easy to feed and handle. Space FOR MORE THEN ONE OF THIS SPECIES shouldn't be a problem either, looking at the fact, that many if not most zoos and safari parks in OZ have it (specially Monarto, Dubbo, Werribee, Australia Zoo). At least, most if not all can keep one of them (and maybe the few zoos in NZL can/will join the party).

And I wouldn't stopp with those IF(!) imports of wild cattle is also possible now. So Forest Buffalos, Anoas, Gaur and - although not threatened yet - Cape Buffalos would be next. Then maybe Wildebeests/Gnus, Oryx species, Gazelles, Okapis and a pure subspecies of Giraffe...

Just imagine how Australian animal parks could improve thereselves that way. They could offer a real African experience instead of using place holders like blackbuck or bisons. I'm sure, that would boost the revenue thru tourism (foreign and domestic).

Thanks for your comments.

Yes, the antelope species you mention are housed outside year round in Australia and New Zealand.

We currently hold the following species within the region:

Waterbuck, Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Scimitar-horned Oryx, Oryx dammah
Addax, Addax nasomaculatus
Eland, Taurotragus oryx
Nyala, Tragelaphus angasii
Bongo, Tragelaphus eurycerus

As mentioned by @Abbey, we can also import those listed above as they’re on the live import list but several species are banned for biosecurity reasons including Wildebeest (risk of Malignant Catarrhal Fever).

The ZAA chooses to focus on a handful of species, which is fine if they’re well managed. Lowland nyala are an example of where this was done well, with the import of multiple founders from South Africa, which have since bred like rabbits. Others like Eastern bongo have suffered due a lack of initial imports (the entire population descends from just 2.1 founders bar the non-breeding import from Singapore).

Australia’s Giraffe/Okapi IRA is a long way off. We’re still waiting for the long awaited Hippopotamus IRA and then it will be decided which IRA to develop next. New Zealand’s Giraffe/Okapi IRA was completed in 2022, but sadly none of the zoos were planning on importing giraffe last time I checked, which is extremely disappointing. The region’s giraffe population is highly inbred and first generation offspring of New Zealand imports could be sent on to Australian zoos to address this.

Taronga Zoo have expressed an interest in holding Okapi. It remains to be seen whether this happens, but a switch to Eastern bongo in that precinct seems likely. Potentially Melbourne and Auckland may consider them, but both the US and Europe are limited in what they can supply so there’s no hope of establishing a thriving regional population at this stage.

 

[Zorro]

Now the IRA is completed our Bongo holders/new holders have every opportunity to import what they need. Since things could change at some stage as they have done before the current time would be ideal.

As for Giraffes It could be some years off before any IRA is there so I can't see why a couple of bulls could not be imported via New Zealand from the US or Europe, It would certainly cut down waiting many years.

 

[Zoofan15]

Now the IRA is completed our Bongo holders/new holders have every opportunity to import what they need. Since things could change at some stage as they have done before the current time would be ideal.

As for Giraffes It could be some years off before any IRA is there so I can't see why a couple of bulls could not be imported via New Zealand from the US or Europe, It would certainly cut down waiting many years.

I had hoped over two years after the completion of the Bovid IRA, there’d have been some imports. Hopefully this is underway, with some new cows being a priority for the region. A singular approach to breeding had led to some herds dying out and other females producing a succession of male offspring.

Yes, the Giraffe IRA will be years away. As will the Hippopotamus IRA I imagine. It surprises me Orana, Wellington and Auckland haven’t got any interest in importing. They’d get a succession of breeding recommendations for any first generation offspring that could be sent on to Australian zoos. Hamilton’s set up is best suited to act as a quarantine third party facility imo. Even if they wait a few years until their elderly bulls pass on.

 

[Zorro]

At least we know the Hippo IRA is being examined currently so that's something positive.
The Giraffe IRA may follow but thing move very slowly, who can say how fast it could be.
I am a little surprised the NZ have not jumped on board with any importation yet surely even importing one bull could be afforded for each major zoo.?

 

[Zoofan15]

At least we know the Hippo IRA is being examined currently so that's something positive.
The Giraffe IRA may follow but thing move very slowly, who can say how fast it could be.
I am a little surprised the NZ have not jumped on board with any importation yet surely even importing one bull could be afforded for each major zoo.?

Unfortunately, Auckland and Wellington both have young breeding bulls in place and Wellington doesn’t have a lot of space. Auckland could afford to import a cow though and focus on breeding Billy with Kiraka and the imported cow.

Orana are without a breeding bull and should definitely take the opportunity to import one. Their current plan is to let their juvenile bull mature and breed from him, which is a shame.

 

[Zorro]

Unfortunately, Auckland and Wellington both have young breeding bulls in place and Wellington doesn’t have a lot of space. Auckland could afford to import a cow though and focus on breeding Billy with Kiraka and the imported cow.

Orana are without a breeding bull and should definitely take the opportunity to import one. Their current plan is to let their juvenile bull mature and breed from him, which is a shame.

NZ zoos did such a wonderful planning and execution of the Nyala importation I could imagine that it could of had the same flow on effect into other hoofed stock, I am a little surprised it did not!

 

[Zoofan15]

NZ zoos did such a wonderful planning and execution of the Nyala importation I could imagine that it could of had the same flow on effect into other hoofed stock, I am a little surprised it did not!

I was really impressed by the scale of the nyala import. The large number of founders they sourced will sustain the region for decades without resorting to the level of inbreeding seen in other ungulates.

As the eastern bongo is a critically endangered subspecies of the bongo, so I imagine it’d be harder to source the numbers we need to replicate the nyala import. If more zoos were willing to accomodate natural herd sizes in open range zoos, it’d generate the surplus of females needed to supply other facilities. Castration of males would assist in the creation of bachelor herds to offset the issue of inevitable male births.

 

[Zorro]

I was really impressed by the scale of the nyala import. The large number of founders they sourced will sustain the region for decades without resorting to the level of inbreeding seen in other ungulates.

As the eastern bongo is a critically endangered subspecies of the bongo, so I imagine it’d be harder to source the numbers we need to replicate the nyala import. If more zoos were willing to accomodate natural herd sizes in open range zoos, it’d generate the surplus of females needed to supply other facilities. Castration of males would assist in the creation of bachelor herds to offset the issue of inevitable male births.

Actually I don't really believe that souring them would be to hard, One new Asian zoo acquired 10 from the USA in one shipment. They are not that uncommon in overseas zoos as one may believe.In the US they are found in quite a few collections even private ones and some unfortunatey in some of the hunting ranches. In the European zoos they come under the EEP so I believe one has to be a member to source any of these which is both good and bad.
The bad side is as with the Tapirs and Indian Rhinos even though they are full to capacity and breeding is limited or stopped are unwilling to release any to non member (out of the region) zoos.

 

[Zorro]

Australasia’s Eastern bongo are managed independently by the region. The regional coordinator is based at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

There’s countless options both within Europe and the United States. One of the US facilities had 75 bongo in 2012. Given how lengthy the importation process is from the US, Europe is probably the easier route and could surely supply us with multiple males and females.

Singapore Zoo had bred 43 Eastern bongo by 2012, but by that same year had a holding of 1.2 adults which had just began to breed (producing a male calf in 2012; and Maisha the following year). I don’t know statistics for how this herd performed over the next decade but I imagine Maisha was the only young female they could supply at the time and required the exchange of Kiazi.

Bongo from the EEP could be problematic, As with the South American Tapir EEP situation any animals that would be allowed to come to Australia the young are the property of the EEP even though they don't have the room to house more and have breeding restrictions because of it. That does not sound like much of a deal to me, The expense of the transport from Europe would be very high plus housing ,feeding and care more expense, just to never have any control over the off spring and plan for our own breeding program. But ,they are good enough to send their aged animals here that are past their prime to us at great expense. Thats not much of an offer!

 

[Zorro]

Australia can currently import bongo from the following: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States

There’s around 350-400 housed in US zoos, so that could our most viable option if there’s conditions that come with the European imports.

New Zealand can additionally import from South Africa, so could quarantine them for 12 months before sending them on to Australian zoos.

I was not suggesting that they could not come from Europe I am fully aware of where they are allowed to be imported from, My point is as to what strings "maybe be" attached?. The US looks a far better option.

 

[Zorro]

To study the future, we must learn from the past…

There’s some interesting information regarding regional planning in 2010, which although over a decade out of date - offers an insight into where the regional population could be headed.

In 2010, the ZAA was planning to import bongo. It was proposed the antelope would be quarantined in New Zealand, who at that time was able to import from South Africa, Singapore, the United States and Canada; as well as Australia.

26 spaces were allocated for bongo in 2010 across the following facilities: Adelaide, Altina, Halls Gap, Melbourne, Monarto, Dubbo, Taronga and Werribee. Since a further 27 spaces were allocated for Greater kudu, it was suggested by at least one user that placements for these two species could be merged (i.e. focus on one or the other) due to them being from the same genus and having similar requirements.

The United States was identified as the likely source of imports in 2010. There were 365 Eastern bongo housed across 59 facilities in the Americas according to the 2012 studbook.

When one looks back to the antelope species that were once part of some of our collections it would make one think of how so many have disappeared, Werribee once had Sable and Greater Kudus now long gone, Adelaide had Nagali and also at the Mary river station. The former Pearl coast zoo (cable beach) had a large collection of African antelopes including the rare Addra gazelle and Gemsbok. among many others and I would be just skimming the surface here, All are now gone.

I believe two reasons are at play here, the first just bad management (such as castrating the only bull Greater Kudu while having 7 females at Werribee). Also importing far too few of said species in the first place leading to lack of breeding parters and inbreeding. With our limited numbers perhaps a more coordinated approach among the zoos holders could have been achieved.

I hope now that the IRA for importation is completed our zoos could take a leaf of of the NZ (Nyala) handbook of bring a larger number of a said species to make sure lessons of the past are nor repeated again.

 

[Zoofan15]

When one looks back to the antelope species that were once part of some of our collections it would make one think of how so many have disappeared, Werribee once had Sable and Greater Kudus now long gone, Adelaide had Nagali and also at the Mary river station. The former Pearl coast zoo (cable beach) had a large collection of African antelopes including the rare Addra gazelle and Gemsbok. among many others and I would be just skimming the surface here, All are now gone.

I believe two reasons are at play here, the first just bad management (such as castrating the only bull Greater Kudu while having 7 females at Werribee). Also importing far too few of said species in the first place leading to lack of breeding parters and inbreeding. With our limited numbers perhaps a more coordinated approach among the zoos holders could have been achieved.

I hope now that the IRA for importation is completed our zoos could take a leaf of of the NZ (Nyala) handbook of bring a larger number of a said species to make sure lessons of the past are nor repeated again.

All good examples. Sitatunga are another. I’m inclined to believe the main reason was an absence of coordination on a regional level. Though it was nice seeing different species at different zoos during the 2000’s (remnants of previously large populations), I can’t deny the coordinated approach we have now is beneficial to establishing sustainable populations.

It would appear any homogeneity between collections in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s was solely due to the ease of sourcing animals from other zoos in the region, without resorting to importing outside the region. There was no long term planning and zoos readily phased out species on a whim.

 

[Zorro]

All good examples. Sitatunga are another. I’m inclined to believe the main reason was an absence of coordination on a regional level. Though it was nice seeing different species at different zoos during the 2000’s (remnants of previously large populations), I can’t deny the coordinated approach we have now is beneficial to establishing sustainable populations.

It would appear any homogeneity between collections in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s was solely due to the ease of sourcing animals from other zoos in the region, without resorting to importing outside the region. There was no long term planning and zoos readily phased out species on a whim.

From what I can recall all Sitatunga in the country descended from just 3 animals its a wonder they lasted as long in collections as they did.
Its just surprising to me about the lack of planning between the zoos it comes across as poor management.