Rare antelope photographed for the first time in DR Congo
In a historic first, wildlife researchers have captured and published a photo of the elusive Upemba Lechwe (Kobus anselli), one of Africa’s rarest and most endangered antelope species. The sighting occurred during an aerial survey of the Kamalondo Depression in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo, a remote region known for its rich biodiversity but challenged by growing environmental threats.
Led by wildlife biologist Manuel Weber, the research team documented only 10 of the species, suggesting that fewer than 100 may remain in the wild. The photo, taken through the window of a Cessna aircraft, offers the first visual confirmation of the Upemba Lechwe in over half a century. According to a new study published in the African Journal of Ecology, it marks the first serious attempt to survey the species in more than 50 years.
“It was extremely nerve-wracking,” Weber told the BBC. “The antelope stood still for just a few seconds before taking off, but that moment gave us what we needed. I was incredibly relieved.”
The Upemba Lechwe stands out from other antelopes in the region due to its lack of dark leg stripes and shoulder patches. Despite being critically endangered, it has remained largely out of the public eye, with limited scientific knowledge and no previously published photographs, until now.
Weber described the Kamalondo Depression as “a magical place in terms of biodiversity,” yet also emphasized the difficult conditions for conservation work. “It’s an incredibly challenging environment,” he noted, citing growing human encroachment, overfishing, and illegal hunting as mounting threats to the area’s ecological integrity.
In a press release issued by Upemba National Park, Weber warned that the species is “on the very brink” of extinction. “The fact that the Upemba Lechwe is still hanging on at all is extraordinary,” he said. “But without urgent protection, it will vanish. This may be our only chance to save this species.”
The Upemba Lechwe, native to seasonally flooded grasslands, has been severely impacted by habitat degradation and a lack of conservation funding. Despite its perilous status, the species has received relatively little attention compared to Africa’s more well-known wildlife, such as elephants and gorillas.
The photograph adds to DR Congo’s history of iconic wildlife imagery. In 2019, a viral photo taken at Virunga National Park showed two gorillas striking a human-like pose with a park ranger, showing the country’s biodiversity. With the Upemba Lechwe now in the spotlight, conservationists hope the moment will create international support to preserve both the species and the unique habitat it calls home.
Written by Kweku Sampson
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