Rare Antelope on the Brink: First Photo of Upemba Lechwe Revealed

Wildlife researchers have captured and published the first-ever photograph of the critically endangered Upemba Lechwe antelope in the Kamalondo Depression, confirming its dwindling population of fewer than 100 individuals.

In a groundbreaking development for wildlife conservation, researchers have captured and officially published the first photograph of the endangered Upemba Lechwe antelope, native to the Kamalondo Depression in southern Democratic Republic of Congo. The aerial survey, led by Manuel Weber, revealed that only 10 of these rare antelopes were spotted, indicating a staggering population of fewer than 100.

Weber emphasized the precarious state of the species, stating it is "on the very brink". The Upemba Lechwe stands out from other regional antelopes due to its lack of dark stripes on its legs and the absence of dark patches on its shoulders. He described the Kamalondo Depression as a "magical place in terms of biodiversity," yet acknowledged the daunting challenges to conservation efforts in the area.

Contributing factors, such as human encroachment, fishing, and hunting, pose significant threats to the delicate ecosystem. Weber warned that if immediate protective measures are not implemented, the Upemba Lechwe risks extinction, likening the current situation to a race against time. This survey marks the first systematic attempt to monitor the species in over half a century.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been home to striking wildlife imagery in the past, including a famous photo of two gorillas taken in 2019 at Virunga National Park. The new findings serve as a crucial reminder of the need for intensified conservation efforts to safeguard the remaining populations of rare species like the Upemba Lechwe.