Examine reveals first ever printed picture of uncommon Upemba Lechwe antelope, it says

In a world first, wildlife researchers have snapped and printed a photograph of one of the vital endangered African animals – a uncommon and comparatively unknown antelope referred to as the Upemba Lechwe.

Researchers carried out an aerial survey within the Kamalondo Melancholy, an space in southern Democratic Republic of Congo, which noticed simply 10 of the antelopes – indicating their inhabitants is under 100.

Manuel Weber, who led the survey and subsequent analysis, described the species as “on the very brink”, in keeping with a press release from the Upemba Nationwide Park.

The Upemba Lechwe are recognized for the dearth of darkish stripes on their legs not like different antelopes within the space, researchers say.

They’re additionally distinct as a result of absence of darkish patches on their shoulders.

The realm the Upemba Lechwe have been discovered is “a magical place when it comes to biodiversity”, Mr Weber instructed the BBC.

He nevertheless warned that it’s an “extremely difficult” setting with reference to conservation.

He mentioned a number of points together with growing human inhabitants, fishing and searching put the areas ecology “in danger”.

The actual fact the Upemba Lechwe is “nonetheless hanging on in any respect is extraordinary”, Mr Weber added within the nationwide park’s assertion, however warned that they may “vanish” with out “pressing safety”.

“This can be our solely likelihood to save lots of this species.”

Based on the examine, printed within the African Journal of Ecology, this was the primary try and survey the species in additional than 50 years.

DR Congo has a historical past of well-known wildlife footage.

In 2019 an image went viral taken on the Virunga Nationwide Park when two gorillas posed for a photograph with their ranger.