Rare Upemba Lechwe Antelope Captured in Historic Photo

The recent aerial survey in the Kamalondo Depression of southern DR Congo has yielded the first published photo of the elusive Upemba Lechwe antelope, showcasing the desperate situation of this species, with its population dwindling to less than 100. Researchers warn of serious threats to its habitat and the pressing need for conservation measures.

In an extraordinary conservation milestone, wildlife researchers have successfully captured and published a photograph of the Upemba Lechwe, a little-known and critically endangered antelope endemic to the Kamalondo Depression in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The groundbreaking photo emerged from an aerial survey conducted by a team led by Manuel Weber, who reported spotting only 10 individuals of the species, signifying that their total population might be fewer than 100. The Upemba Lechwe is distinguished from other antelopes by its lack of dark stripes on its legs and absence of dark patches on its shoulders.

Describing the area as a "magical place in terms of biodiversity," Weber noted that the conditions for conservation efforts face significant challenges. He pointed to increasing human activity, including fishing and hunting, as urgent threats to the ecological stability of the region where these antelopes reside. He emphasized that the survival of the Upemba Lechwe hinged on immediate and effective protective measures, stating, "This may be our only chance to save this species."

The survey's findings have been shared in the African Journal of Ecology, marking the first comprehensive research attempt on the Upemba Lechwe in more than half a century. The DRC has a legacy of wildlife documentation, including viral images of gorillas in Virunga National Park in 2019, which highlights the country's rich biodiversity amid pressing conservation challenges.

With the Upemba Lechwe hanging on by a thread, wildlife advocates are calling for increased awareness and action to protect this unique species and its habitat before it’s too late.