First-Ever Published Photo Captures Rare African Antelope on Brink of Extinction
- Communication
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Press Release - Lusinga, May 26, 2025
For the first time, researchers have published a photograph of a living Upemba Lechwe (Kobus anselli), one of Africa’s most endangered and least-known antelopes. A recent aerial survey in the Kamalondo Depression of southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recorded just ten individuals, suggesting that fewer than 100 remain.
The findings, published in the African Journal of Ecology, provide the first population update in over 50 years. Despite being classified as Critically Endangered, no image of a living specimen had ever been published until now.
“This is a species on the very brink,” says lead author Manuel Weber, of Upemba National Park’s Department of Research and Biomonitoring. “The fact that they’re still hanging on at all is extraordinary, but without urgent protection, they’ll vanish.” Endemic to the Kamalondo Depression and unseen by science for decades, the Upemba Lechwe is now considered one of the world’s rarest large mammals. The authors urge rapid intervention to protect the last individuals.
“We hope this image becomes a rallying cry,” Weber adds. “Because this may be our only chance to save this species.”
For more information, please contact: manuel.weber@forgottenparks.org & biomonitoring@forgottenparks.org
Full Publication
Weber, M., Mpanga, R., Mbulanga, J., Dobbie, C., 2025. Status Update on the Critically Endangered Upemba Lechwe (Kobus anselli). African Journal of Ecology 63, e70060. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70060
Abstract
The Upemba Lechwe (Kobus anselli) persists in the Kamalondo Depression in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo. We report sightings of 10 individuals across their historical stronghold and present the first published photograph of a live specimen. This study provides the first documented records since the species was described in 2005, and the first survey attempt in over 50 years. With an estimated population likely numbering fewer than 100 in an area with little protection, this species faces imminent extinction due to poaching. Urgent conservation measures are essential to prevent its disappearance.