The genusTragelaphus contains several species of bovine, all of which are reletivly antelope-like. Species in this genus tend to be large sized, lightly built, have long necks and considerable sexual dimorphism. The Common and Giant Elands are sometimes classified as part of this group with the subgenus Taurotragus, but taurotragus is usually considered its own genus.
The bongo belongs to the genus"Tragelaphus", which includes the Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekeii), the Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), the Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), the Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), the Lesser Kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) and the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros).
A bongo is further catalogued into one of the two subspecies- "Tragelaphus eurycerus eurycerus", the lowland or "Western Bongo" and "Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci", the mountain or "Eastern Bongo".
The scientific name of the bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) is acquired from Greek words "Tragelaphus", which is devired from the Greek words "Trago" (a he-goat), and "elaphos", (a deer), in combination referring to "an antelope", and the word "Eurycerus", which is orginated from the fusion of "eurus" (broad, widespeard) and "keras" (an animal's horn).
Threats to survival are primarily a reduction in range due to human encroachment, as well as disturbance by humans, involving the occupation of suitable areas by livestock and the constant passage of people through the habitat (Brown, 1969a; Brown 1969b).
Finally, due to strong similarities between the mountain nyala and member of both the genus Strepsiceros and the genusTragelaphus, it was proposed that the two genera be merged, removing Lydekker's dilemma (Lydekker, 1911).
Observations on the status, habitat, and behaviour of the mountain nyalaTragelaphus buxtoni in Ethiopia.
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