Group size and group composition of the bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) at a natural lick in the Dzanga National Park, Central African Republic

Sociality among antelopes is uncommon in dense tropical forests. The bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), Africa's largest forest antelope, is gregarious and often forms groups of more than 10 animals. From 1991 through 1996, direct observations were made at a large natural lick in the Dzanga National Park, Central African Republic, to study group composition, group size, and other aspects of the bongo's social behavior. Mean group size of the 1078 bongos sighted was 13.3, larger than group sizes recorded elsewhere in Africa. Our results suggest that bongo groups may vary over time, although subgroups may be consistent. The major social unit was females accompanied by their offspring, and in more than 50% of the cases accompanied by an adult male. This study indicates that valuable information can be gathered at natural licks and clearings especially for a forest species that is rarely observed for sustained periods of time.