With fewer than 100 individuals remaining, urgent conservation efforts are vital for the survival of this unique antelope species.
**Hopes Rise for the Upemba Lechwe: Critical Aerial Survey Captures Rare Antelope**
**Hopes Rise for the Upemba Lechwe: Critical Aerial Survey Captures Rare Antelope**
A recent aerial survey in DR Congo has documented the rare Upemba Lechwe, offering new insights into its dwindling population.
In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have successfully captured and published the first photo of the Upemba Lechwe, an extremely endangered antelope species native to the Kamalondo Depression in southern Democratic Republic of Congo. Conducted by wildlife experts, this aerial survey revealed the alarming presence of just ten individuals, suggesting that the total population is fewer than 100.
Manuel Weber, who spearheaded the research initiative, emphasized the precarious status of the Upemba Lechwe, describing it as being "on the very brink" of extinction. The unique physical characteristics of the Upemba Lechwe differentiate it from other antelopes in the region: they lack the dark stripes commonly found on the legs and do not exhibit dark shoulder patches.
Weber highlighted the Kamalondo Depression as a "magical place in terms of biodiversity," yet he acknowledged the severe conservation challenges it faces. Factors such as rising human encroachment, fishing activities, and hunting are threatening the ecological balance of the area. He warned that without prompt protective measures, the Upemba Lechwe could vanish completely. "This may be our only chance to save this species," Weber concluded.
The recent findings, which have been published in the African Journal of Ecology, mark the first dedicated survey of the Upemba Lechwe in over five decades. The DR Congo has made headlines in the past for its remarkable wildlife photography; in 2019, a viral image showcased two gorillas with their ranger in Virunga National Park, drawing international attention to the country’s unique fauna.
For further news and updates, follow BBC Africa on their social media platforms.
Manuel Weber, who spearheaded the research initiative, emphasized the precarious status of the Upemba Lechwe, describing it as being "on the very brink" of extinction. The unique physical characteristics of the Upemba Lechwe differentiate it from other antelopes in the region: they lack the dark stripes commonly found on the legs and do not exhibit dark shoulder patches.
Weber highlighted the Kamalondo Depression as a "magical place in terms of biodiversity," yet he acknowledged the severe conservation challenges it faces. Factors such as rising human encroachment, fishing activities, and hunting are threatening the ecological balance of the area. He warned that without prompt protective measures, the Upemba Lechwe could vanish completely. "This may be our only chance to save this species," Weber concluded.
The recent findings, which have been published in the African Journal of Ecology, mark the first dedicated survey of the Upemba Lechwe in over five decades. The DR Congo has made headlines in the past for its remarkable wildlife photography; in 2019, a viral image showcased two gorillas with their ranger in Virunga National Park, drawing international attention to the country’s unique fauna.
For further news and updates, follow BBC Africa on their social media platforms.
