Adventuring African Wildlife Guide - Domestic Tourism Safaris

Background scientific research information facts: by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com, Master of the Game.

This high value content offer (HVCO) as an article guideline introduces the reader or tourist in African countries to the wildlife and nature reserves of Africa, the second – largest continent and the only one centred on the equator. The premier continent for wildlife – oriented eco – tourism, Africa has roughly 70 of the world’s top 100 parks for observing large numbers of mammals and birds. The greatest diversity and numbers of large land mammals on the Planet Earth survive in Africa, chiefly in the savannas and swamplands of the south and east. A major factor in the survival of large mammals has been the enlightened creation of reserves by both colonial and African governments over the years. Strange as it may seem, tsetse flies have also played an important role in creating sanctuaries for these animals, as the diseases the flies spread have kept humans and domestic cattle out of these regions for many centuries (the wild animals are immune to the diseases). Most mammals, birds, and reptiles that live south of the Sahara are endemic (restricted) to Africa. They are not found in similar habitats in South America or tropical Asia, because there has not be#en any recent land connection to either continent. Conversely, the wildlife of North Africa (the Sahara and Mediterranean regions) is very much like that of similar habitats in southern Europe and south-western Asia, due to current and recent land connections between the continents. The unique fauna of Africa is of universal value, and conservation efforts there have worldwide importance. African wildlife also has great economic value in attracting international travellers who want to see the great herds and fascinating species.

AFRICAN LAND MAMMALS

Mammals comprise more than 4,600 species worldwide, about 1,125 in Africa. Living members of the class – mammalian are divided into three infra classes, 20 – 26 orders / groups, 133 – 140 families, and over 4,600 species worldwide. Mammals belong to the class – mammalia. The earliest– known mammals were small, shrew – like creatures, believed to have lived about 200 million years ago. They evolved from mammal – like reptiles. Like birds, mammals are warm – blooded animals but they also have two unique characteristics – they are able to suckle their young and their bodies are covered with hair or fur. Most mammals live on land (terrestrial) but some, such as dolphins and whales, live in water. Other mammals such as bats, have wings and are able to fly, whereas rabbits and moles burrow around underground.

MAMMAL SPECIES OF AFRICA (ANTELOPES OF AFRICA (BOVIDAE FAMILY / BOVIDS – ORDER EVEN –TOED UNGULATES (ARTIODACTYLA)

TRIBE CEPHALOPHINI OR SUBFAMILY CEPHALOPHINAE (DUIKERS);

African rain forests are home to more than 17 species of duikers (pronounced DIKE – ers). Duikers are endemic to Africa. The duikers are placed into two genera, with perhaps as many as 18 species in Cephalophus group(Genus), and only one species in the Genus Sylvicapra, for example, Common duiker(Bush duiker). Several characteristics are common to all forest duikers including; a squat, stocky appearance, the hunched posture of the back and the head held close to the ground;short, thin legs and a well – developed crest, coming to a point at the top of the head and frequently covering the horns. Males always have horns but in some species the females may also have horns, which tend to be shorter than those of the male. The horns are very short (shorter than the head), partly ridged and then smooth, sharply pointed and angled back in line with the place of the face. The ears are quite short and rounded. Infront of each eye is a long, black, naked line, which is the outer surface of the scent – producing glands, giving the muzzle a somewhat pinched appearance. The snout is black, relatively large and somewhat cow like.

BEHAVIOUR/HABIT/LIFESTYLE;

The name duiker is a Dutch word meaning ‘dive’ based on the animal’s habit of plunging into dense cover on being disturbed. All the forest duikers(Genus Cephalophus) share most aspects of behaviour being largely solitary animals, although pairs frequently live in close association. Indications are that a few, probably all, are, are strongly and aggressively territorial, but because of the high productivity of their chosen habitats, their territories and home ranges are small. In some species a pair may defend a mutually held territory against intruders of the same species. All species have well – developed pre – orbital glands, which secrete a substance used for marking twigs and other objects. This almost certainly has a territorial function. At least the blue duiker, and probably others, appear to be monogamous and pair for life;however, a pair spend little time together and feeding and resting frequently take place at different times. Times of activity seem to be variable in different species and even within the same species in different regions, and depend on the levels of disturbance. The blue duiker seems to be mainly diurnal in parts of its southern range but in other areas may be mainly nocturnal. The bay duiker is believed to be nocturnal whereas the yellow – backed duiker may be expected to be active at any time of day or night. The black – fronted duiker feeds primarily during the daylight hours but Abbot’s duiker is nocturnal. Common duiker(Genus Sylivicapra) is usually solitary but not uncommonly encountered in pairs and in areas of high density several individuals may be seen feeding in close proximity to each other. Rams(males) are intolerant of each other and establish, mark and hold territories. They usually associate with the one female that remains within their range, and she readily drives off other females entering it. Small heaps of droppings are deposited in close proximity to each other at several locations within the territory and both sexes marks twigs with secretions from the pre – orbital glands. They (common duikers) are active mainly at night but frequently feed in the cooler morning hours and may emerge an hour or more before sunset. When feeding they may maintain those proximity to other species, including savanna baboons, larger antelope and domestic stock, especially cattle and goats. They are independent of drinking water but will drink on occasion when it is available.

FOOD(DIET);

Duikers are unique in the antelope world, not only feeding on plant parts but also including animal food in their diet; further, they are also known to hunt actively. The bulk of their diet of most species is made up of a wide range of wild fruits, including those of many tree species. These animals are able to open their mouths considerably wider than most antelopes can, thus enabling them to chew even relatively large fruits;large fruit pips, or seeds, are usually not swallowed but are spat out. They also eat leaves,twig tips, bark, flowers, pods, fungi and resin. There are numerous records of different duikers eating a great variety of insects, other invertebrates, small mammals, frogs, reptiles, fish (scavenged) and carrion. They have been observed hunting for birds up to the size of domestic hens. Unlike other antelopes, their digestive systems copes very efficiently with this animal food. They are also important prey components of leopard, golden cat and the crowned eagle. Common duikers feed on a wide variety of browse, including flowers, shoots, leaves, fruits, seeds, pods and fungi, and also a wide range of cultivated crops, for which they are considered a nuisance in some areas. Animal foods are also taken, such as termites, other insects, small vertebrates and carrion, and if the opportunity presents itself they will attempt to catch birds up to the size of the domestic hen. Prey captured is well chewed. They also use the front hoofs to excavate for bulbs, tubers and roots. This very wide dietary tolerance perhaps helps to explain their success and wide distribution.

REPRODUCTION/BREEDING/GESTATION PERIODS OF ALL DUIKERS AT LARGE;

Lambs may be dropped at any time of the year, but birthing peaks are known, or suspected, in some species; Gestation periods are poorly known but most are probably in the vicinity of 160 or more days.

BLUE DUIKER (Cephalophus monticola)

The smallest duiker and one of the smallest antelopes. Colour varies geographically: slate – gray to dark gray – brown, with bluish sheen on back, contrasting with whitish – underparts, inner legs, and undertail. Light – coloured eyebrow stripe curves to base of horns, framing brown forehead. Curved preorbital gland slit. HORNS strongly ridged and short (2”/5 cm), sometimes absent in female. HEAD crest short or absent. L . 21 – 29” (52 – 72 cm): T 3”(7 – 8 cm); Ht 13 – 14” (33 – 36 cm); Wt 8.4 – 12 Ib (3.8 – 5.4 kg), female slightly larger than male.
Similar species: Maxwell’s Duiker (C. maxwellii) is larger (Wt to 22 Ib / 10 kg) and can be reliably distinguished in field only by its range: west of Nigeria’s Cross River. Habitat: Rain and riverine forests; montane forests to 10,000’ (3,000m); also dense thickets. Breeding (Reproduction): year – round; 1 fawn born after gestation variously estimated as 4 up to 7.5 months. Unhunted rain - forest populations produce 1 offspring a year; those outside rain forest sometimes give birth twice a year.
Range (Distribution); Widespread east of Nigeria’s Cross River, south to central Angola and southern DRC, East Africa from Kenya to South Africa.

Key Points Summary:

By far the most abundant rain – forest antelope, the Blue Duiker, along with its western counterpart, Maxwell’s Duiker, is a mainstay of the bushmeat markets of West Africa. Couples maintain visual contact, partly through constant up – and – down movements of their white tails. The Blue Duiker feeds during the day on fallen fruit, foliage, flowers, seedpods, fungi, and occasionally invertebrates.

RED DUIKERS (Cephalophus natalensis / C. harveyi)

A medium – size duiker, one of several reddish species. Body bright foxy red: legs orange – red to dark brown: underparts slightly lighter. Nose bridge dark gray to black: prominent red – and - black (or all – red) erectile head crest often conceals horns (2.5 – 4”/6 – 10 cm long). Throat pale; chin and hair inside ears white; nape of neck and feet gray; white tuft on tail. L. 28 – 40” (70 – 100 cm): T 4.5” (11 cm); Ht (14 – 18” (35 – 45 cm); Wt 25 – 31 Ib (11 – 14 kg).
Similar Species: Harvey’s Red Duiker (C. harveyi) is common red duiker of East African Highlands, usually found near water, has narrow, reddish – brown stripe along spine; black nose bridge and centre of crest. Black – fronted Duiker (C.nigrifrons) occurs in lowland and montane forests from Cameroon east to Kenya, and south to Angola, has black blaze that extends from nose to horns. Peter’s Duiker (C. callipygus) and Bay Duiker (C. dorsalis) inhabit dense forests of west and central Africa; median black stripe runs from upper back to tail. Habitat: Gallery forests, montane forests, dense bush, and coastal forest – savanna transition zones. Breeding (Reproduction): year round: 1 fawn born after gestation variously estimated as 4 up to 7.5 months. Range (Distribution): Tanzania south to Natal.

Key Points Summary:

This diurnal species eats the usual duiker diet of fallen fruit, plus foliage and insects. A mated pair apparently jointly defends a territory.

ZEBRA (BANDED) DUIKER (Cephalophus zebra)

A medium – size duiker, with short (1.5 – 2”/ 3.8 – 5 cm) conical horns, and short or no head crest. Distinctive colour pattern: light reddish brown with 12 – 15 black transverse torso stripes. Brownish – black nose bridge and tail tuft; tail white underneath. Outer limbs, rump, forehead, ear backs, nape, and shoulders darker brown. L. 34 – 36”(85 – 90 cm). T 6” (15 cm): Ht 16 – 20” (40 – 50 cm); Wt 20 – 33 Ib (9 – 15 kg). Similar species: Much bigger Jentink’s Duiker (C. jentinki) is also limited to parts of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and sw Ivory Coast; tri – coloured: blackish head and neck are separated from grizzled gray body by wide collar of whitish gray. Habitat: Dense lowland rain forests and hill forests.Breeding (Reproduction/ Gestation Period); Year –round: 1 fawn born after gestation estimated at 7.5 months. Range (Distribution): Sierra Leone, Liberia, w Ivory Coast.
Key Points Summary; because it is largely dependent on primary forest that is rapidly being cut down, the Zebra Duiker is one of the most endangered antelopes. The Sierra Leone population is already limited to isolated forest patches. While this species is known to be diurnal, little information is available about it in the wild.

YELLOW – BACKED DUIKER (Cephalophus silvicultor)

The largest duiker. Heavyset, with strong legs. Coat short, glossy, dark gray – brown to black, with triangular tract of long, erectile, yellow hair on back; crest on head is red – brown or black. Horns (4 – 8.5”/10 – 21 cm long) thin, weakly ridged, with slightly down – curved tips. L 3’ 10” – 4’ 10” (1.15 – 1.45 m (Total Length); Ht 28 – 35” (70 – 87 cm (shoulder height); Wt 99 – 176 Ib (45 – 80 kg (weight).
Habitat (Ecology); Rain, montane, and riverine forests, and closed woodlands.
Breeding (Reproduction / Gestation Period); Year – round; 1 fawn born after gestation variously estimated as 4 up to 7.5 months.
Range (Distribution); West Africa: Senegal east to Kenya, and south to Zambia and n Angola.

Key Points Summary;

The nocturnal Yellow – backed Duiker has an extensive home range; it eats mainly fruit, seeds, fungi, the bark of shrubs, and foliage. It visits salt licks. During the day, it lies up in undergrowth in a regularly used form (a repeatedly used bed in the vegetation). When excited or alarmed, this duiker erects its yellow dorsal crest and emits a piercing alerting whistle.

COMMON DUIKER / GREY DUIKER / BUSH DUIKER (Sylvicapra grimmia)

Compared with forest duikers, has longer, more evenly developed limbs, with less – rounded back, and longer ears. Colour varies geographically (there are as many as 19 subspecies), from chestnut in Angolan woodlands, to grizzled gray in northern Savannas, to buff in arid regions. Nostrils and nose bridge black; forehead tuft dark. Forelegs have brown or black fronts. Underparts usually white (sometimes tinged with red or gray); underside of tail white. Horns in male only; 3 – 7” (7 – 18 cm) long; round and less tilted than in other duikers. L 32 – 46” (80 – 115 cm( Total length); T 4.5 – 8” (11 – 20 cm (Tail length); Ht 18 – 28” ( 45 – 70 cm (Shoulder height); Wt 33 – 55 Ib (15 – 25 kg (weight), female 2 -3 Ib heavier than male.
Habitat (Ecology); Most habitats with cover adequate for hiding, especially moist savannas, and including edges of settlements; avoids rain forests.
Breeding (Reproduction / Gestation period); Year – round; 1 fawn born after gestation variously estimated at 3 up to 7.5 months.
Range / Distribution; Sub – Saharan Africa.
Key Points Summary;

The Common Duiker can go without drinking if its diet includes greens. It eats mostly leaves, herbs, fruit, seeds, and flowers. This duiker appears to live in loosely associated, monogamous pairs. Males behave territorially, smearing gland secretions on stems, branches, and rocks, and depositing dung in middens; their preferred resting places (elevated ground, termite mounds) overlook their territory. Females choose deeper cover. Active day and night, Common Duikers become more nocturnal near human settlements.

BAY DUIKER (Cephalophus dorsalis)

Total length; 78 – 110 cm
Tail length; 8 – 15 cm
Shoulder height; 40 – 55 cm
Weight; 19 – 25 kg
Horn length; 5.5 – 10. 5 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS;

Brown yellow to brown – red; distinct dark dorsal stripe nose to tail base; dark on legs; medium – sized.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Peters’ duiker

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS;

Bright brownish – yellow to brownish – red with a distinct dark dorsal stripe extending from nose to base of tail. Dark markings on legs; some animals have almost wholly darkened legs extending on to shoulders and rump. A dark stripe of varying intensity and length, may run down centre of ventral surface. Forehead crest is very poorly developed and may be almost absent.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Occurs virtually throughout the tropical lowland forest belt to the eastern DRC .

STATUS:

Probably secure but precarious in west.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY):

Lowland and dense secondary forest.

ADER’S DUIKER (Cephalophus adersi)

Total length; About 75 cm
Tail length; 9 – 12 cm
Shoulder height; 30 – 32 cm
Weight; 6 – 12 kg
Horn length; 3 – 6 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS;

White band across buttocks; white spotting on legs.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Red duiker (separated by lack of buttock band).

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS;

Overall tawny red colour becoming greyer on the neck, but easily identified by the white band around the buttocks. There is some white spotting, or freckling, on the legs. Some believe it to be a subspecies of the red (natalensis / harveyi) but others feel that it justifies its own identity.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION);

Most limited distribution of all duikers; restricted to islands of Unguja, Zanzibar, and forest pockets along Kenyan coast.

STATUS;

Threatened by habitat loss and hunting. May be extinct on mainland.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY);

Coastal forest, woodland and thickets.

BLACK – FRONTED DUIKER (Cephalophus nigrifrons)

Total length; 95 – 120 cm
Tail length; 10 – 15 cm
Shoulder length; 45 – 55 cm
Weight; 13 – 16 kg
Horn length; 4 – 12 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Reddish to dark brown overall: distinctive very dark to black facial blaze, crest.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Bay and Peter’s duikers

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

Overall body colour a uniform reddish, deep chestnut, or dark – red – brown, with lower leg colouring, darker to black. The main distinguishing character is the broad black blaze running from nose to forehead, usually incorporating the crest and often extending a short distance down the back of the neck. The tail is black with a white tip. One subspecies, Ruwenzori (rubidus), is sometimes recognized as a full species on the basis of the belly being white, the hair being thicker and minor colour differences.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION);

Main distribution centres are a few degrees north and south of the equator within central Africa, with isolated outlying populations found on Mount Kenya, Elgon and Kabobo, while the rubidus form occurs in the Ruwenzori Mountains.

STATUS

Generally not threatened but subject to habitat destruction and hunting.

HABITAT (ECOLOGY)

Montane forests in the east, and elsewhere lowland and gallery forests.

BLACK DUIKER (Cephalophus niger)

Total Length; 90 – 100 cm
Tail Length; 12 – 14 cm
Shoulder height; 45 – 50 cm
Weight; 18 – 24 kg
Horn Length; 2.5 – 17.5 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Very dark – brown to black overall; chestnut hair on forehead.

SIMILAR SPECIES

Maxwell’s Duiker

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS;

Uniformly very dark brown to black over the entire body, and has a relatively thick coat. The head and sides of the neck are usually very slightly paler in colour, as are the neck and throat. The only markedly different colouration is the bright reddish – brown crest and forehead.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

West of the Niger River to Guinea (Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, Guinea).

STATUS;

Considered to be endangered within the eastern parts of its range, particularly in Nigeria, but elsewhere, despite heavy hunting pressure, fairly secure.

HABITAT (ECOLOGY);

Lowland rain forests and their fringes

RED FLANKED DUIKER (Cephalophus rufilatus)

Total Length; 67 – 80 cm
Tail Length; 7 – 10 cm
Shoulder height; 30 – 38 cm
Weight; 9 – 12 kg
Horn Length; 3 – 9.5 cm (female often lacks horns).
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Dark greyish dorsal stripe tail base to nose; body reddish to reddish – yellow; legs partly grayish.

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

Overall reddish – brown to reddish – yellow body colour, which contrasts strongly with the broad grey dorsal stripe extending from the base of the tail to the nose, with the blaze being usually darker than the back stripe, and the stripe being darker in eastern part of its range. The legs are bluish – grey and there are black and white markings on the ears.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Extends right across West Africa in a broad belt from Senegal to Uganda (Central African Republic, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana and Guinea).

STATUS;

Still found to be abundant through much of its range.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY);

Least tied to lowland high forest of all duikers; readily occupies forest fringes, secondary forest and woodlands, even those edging on savanna.

RED FLANKED DUIKER (Cephalophus rufilatus)

Total Length; 67 – 80 cm
Tail Length; 7 – 10 cm
Shoulder height; 30 – 38 cm
Weight; 9 – 12 kg
Horn Length; 3 – 9.5 cm (female often lacks horns).
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Dark greyish dorsal stripe tail base to nose; body reddish to reddish – yellow; legs partly grayish.

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Extends right across West Africa in a broad belt from Senegal to Uganda (Central African Republic, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana and Guinea).

STATUS;

Still found to be abundant through much of its range.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY);

Least tied to lowland high forest of all duikers; readily occupies forest fringes, secondary forest and woodlands, even those edging on savanna.

JENTIK’S DUIKER (Cephalophus jentinki)

Total Length; 1. 5 m;
Tail Length; 15 cm;
Shoulder height; 80 cm;
Weight; up to 70 kg
Horn Length; 15.5 – 17. 5 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Very large; black head and neck, white shoulder band; silver – grey rump; restricted distribution. GENERAL DESRIPTIONS

Second only in size to the yellow - backed, and easy to distinguish because of pelage patterning. The head and neck are black and a narrow white band extends across the shoulders on to the tip of the front legs. The rest of the body is overall grizzled silvery – grey, but underparts are somewhat paler.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Very limited range, found only in fragmented populations within Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast. STATUS;

Endangered as a result of hunting and habitat loss (2000 to 10,000 remain).

HABITAT(ECOLOGY);

Lowland rainforest

MAXWELL’S DUIKER (Cephalophus maxwellii

Total Length; 62 – 98 cm
Tail Length; 8 – 10 cm
Shoulder height; 32 – 40 cm
Weight; 8 – 9 kg
Horn Length; 2.2 – 9.8 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Small (Variable); overall colour grey – brown to blue grey.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Black duiker (separated on size and colouration).

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

It is believed that this species and the blue are the same representing a super species. Both are variable in size and pelage colouration. Apart from small size and overall bluish – grey to grey brown colouration, including legs, there are no distinguishing features.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Widespread from the west of the Niger River to Senegal.

STATUS

Abundant in most areas but heavily hunted as “bushmeat”.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY)

Lowland rainforests and gallery forests.

PETER’S AND WEYN’S DUIKERS (Cephalophus callipygus & C. weynsi)

Total Length; 90 – 130 cm
Tail Length; 10 – 16 cm
Shoulder height; 45 – 60 cm
Weight; 15 – 24 kg
Horn Length; 5.5 – 13.8 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Brownish – fawn merging to bright rufous on rump, some populations darker than others, legs darker than body: forehead/ crest reddish – brown: dark (black) vertebral stripe always present in western populations (Peter’s), absent in east (weyns’).

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Other red duikers, bay duiker

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS;

The similarities between members of the “red duiker group”, which include Peters’, Weyns’, Harvey’s red and the Natal, make the separation of these species very difficult in the field. Peters’ and Weyn’s occupy the Congolean’ tropical forest belt, with the other two to the east of the Great Rift Valley and South – east to South Africa. Peter’s is in general brownish – fawn in colour on the forequarters, grading into bright –rufous towards the rump, with animals in the west of the range tending to be lighter in colour than else where. The forehead and crest are reddish – brown, the muzzle dark, with white on lips, chin and throat. A dark to black band runs along the spine, widening towards the rump. Legs are darker than rest of body. Weyn’s is said to have somewhat coarser, longer hair but usually no vertebral stripe.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Apparently occurs only within a few a degrees of the equator, westward from the eastern DRC to the Atlantic, with weyn’s duiker said to occur from the DRC, extending into southern Uganda and marginally into Kenya, and southward along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.

STATUS;

Probably abundant in the lowland tropical forests but numbers are low in the most eastern parts of the range.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY);

Lowland forest, as well as several associated forest types. Weyns’ may also extend into montane forests in the eastern parts of the range.

ABBOTT’S DUIKER (Cephalophus spadix)

Total Length; 1.1 – 1.3 m;
Tail Length; 8 -12 cm
Shoulder height; 50 – 65 cm
Weight; up to 60 kg
Horn Length; 10 – 12 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS;

Large: dark chestnut – brown to black; no distinguishing markings: restricted distribution.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Yellow – backed duiker (separated on rump patch).

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

Third largest forest duiker, with a dark chestnut – brown to black coat without any markings.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Restricted to the Uluguru / Udzungwa, Rungwe and Usambara mountains, and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is also suspected to be present on Mount Meru (Arusha National Park – Northern Tanzania). STATUS;

Not believed to be threatened, despite the fact that they live in isolated montane pickets, but at certain locations hunting and habitat loss are possibly having adverse impacts.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY)

Dense mountain forest.

OGILBY’S DUIKER (Cephalophus ogilbyi)

Total Length; 97 – 130 cm;
Tail Length; 12 – 15 cm;
Shoulder height; 55 cm;
Weight; 14 – 20 kg
Horn Length; 4 – 12. 1 cm
IDENTIFICANTION POINTERS

Overall reddish – orange, narrow black dorsal stripe shoulder to tail; some populations apparently white ‘’stockings’’, others darker legs.

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS;

It is reddish – orange overall with a narrow dark brown to black dorsal stripe extending from the shoulders to the base of the tail. Some populations have white leg “stockings”. Others have darker coloured legs. Horns are noticeably conical and broad at the base.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION);

Fragmented in West Africa with one isolated population to the east of the Niger River and on the island of Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea.

STATUS;

Populations have become increasingly fragmented and are now rare almost everywhere in West Africa. HABITAT(ECOLOGY)

Tropical lowland forests.

WHITE – BELLIED DUIKER (Cephalophus leucogaster)

Total Length; 1 – 1. 5 m;
Tail Length; 12 - 15 cm
Shoulder height; 40 – 45 cm
Weight; 12 – 15 kg
Horn Length; 5 – 12. 7 cm
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Medium – sized; relatively – pale fawn to reddish brown, darker vertebral band; palest forest duiker in area: dark facial blaze, buttocks, belly white.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Bay and Peters duikers.

GENERAL DISCRIPTIONS

Medium – sized and paler than other forest duikers within range; buttocks and belly white, underparts generally pale. Overall body colour is light fawnish – brown to darker reddish – brown, usually more pronounced in rump region. A dark vertebral band and dark facial blaze contrast with orange – red crest. RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

DRC, Congo, Gabon Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon).

HABITAT(ECOLOGY);

Lowland, secondary and gallery forests, and adjacent dense thicket areas.

TRIBE NEOTRAGINI (DWARF ANTELOPES) OR SUBFAMILY NEOTRAGINAE;

This wholly African tribe has 13 species in six genera. Sizes range from the smallest bovid, the 4 – pound (1.8 –kg) Royal Antelope (Neotragus pygmaeus) of the Guinean forest zone of West Africa, to the rare 57 – pound (26 – kg) Beira Antelope (Dorcatragus megalotis) of northern Somalia. Most dwarf antelopes live in dry regions, but the Royal Antelope, Suni (N. moschatus), and Bates’s Pygmy Antelope(N.batesi) inhabit rain forests. Cover – dependent, dwarf antelopes have protective colouration and high, rounded hindquarters. Males have short, spike – like horns that are more erect and rounder than in duikers. Dwarf antelopes eat high – protein/ low – fiber foliage and herbage, and metabolize enough water from food that they don’t need to drink. Apparently most species live in monogamous pairs, with both sexes scent – marking the territory with secretions of the pre – orbital glands and depositing urine and pellets in dung middens. Females hornless, except in a subspecies (races) of klipspringer.

ROYAL ANTELOPE (Neotragus pygmaeus)

Total Length; 49 – 60 cm
Tail Length; 4 – 5 cm
Shoulder height; 20 – 28 cm
Weight; 1.4 – 2.8 kg (large animals are on record but information is minimal).
Horn Length; Male only (2.5 – 3 cm)
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Smallest horned ungulate; brown upperparts, white underparts, rufous throat collar.

SIMILAR SPECIES

Duikers within its range (separated on size).

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

The World’s smallest ungulate, with its size and restricted distribution excluding any confusion with the duikers that share its range. The head and neck are dark brown; the back is somewhat lighter brown, becoming even lighter and bright reddish – brown on the flanks and legs. There is a rufous collar around the throat. Underparts are pure white, as are the underside and tip of the tail. Only the ram carries the tiny but sharp pointed horns.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Entirely restricted to the Guinean forest zone of West Africa.

STATUS

No accurate information available but it is believed to be abundant and not under any serious threat, although it does appear regularly in the “bushmeat’’ markets.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY)

Dense high forest, although there is some evidence that it can survive in disturbed secondary forest BEHAVIOUR / HABIT / LIFE STYLE

Occurs singly and in pairs but because of the dense nature of its habitat, its small size and apparent nocturnal activity, virtually nothing is known about this species.

FOOD / DIET

Probably approximates the diet of pygmy antelope, which is a browser.

REPRODUCTION / BREEDING / GESTATION PERIOD

Nothing is known but young are probably born at any time of the year

KEY POINTS SUMMARY (ROYAL ANTELOPE)

In Africa, Royal Antelope is found among countries of West Africa such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana, especially in habitats like forest and forest clearings. This dainty, compact little animal, the smallest African antelope, weighs (3 to 4. 5 kg) not much more than a rabbit. Indeed, it is called “King of the hares” by local tribes’ people and so “royal” antelope by Europeans. It has a rounded back and a short tail, which it holds tightly against its rump. The male has tiny, sharp horns, which the female lacks: young are darker in colour than adults. Royal antelopes live in pairs or alone in a small territory, which they usually mark out with dung heaps. They are timid and secretive and are mainly active at night, when quite large numbers may feed together on leaves, buds, shoots, fungi, fallen fruit, grass and weeds. They sometimes venture into vegetable plots and cocoa and peanut plantations. Although they are preyed on by a wide range of mammals, birds and even large snakes, their small size often enables them to slip away unseen from danger, with their bellies almost on the ground. Their vulnerability is also compensated for by their astounding ability to leap, like springboks, as much as 10ft (3m) up in the air. Royal antelopes probably pair for life. The female produces a single young at a time.

SUNI / PAA (Neotragus moschatus)

A miniature antelope, slightly freckled reddish brown above: back darker than flanks and legs: head and muzzle darker and redder still. White chin, throat, insides of legs, underside and tip of tail, and small arc over each eye. Legs ringed with black band above hooves. Horns wide – set, back – slanted, ridged most of their length: 2.5 – 5” (6.5 – 13 cm) long. L. 23 – 25” (58 – 62 cm); T. 3.5 – 4.5” (9 – 11 cm); Ht. 14 – 15” (36 – 38 cm); Wt. 10 – 12 Ib (4.5 – 5.4 Kg).

Similar species: Blue Duiker is slate gray or gray – brown, with no reddish colour: flicks tail up and down. Natal Red Duiker is redder, with less white, and has head crest.
Habitat(Ecology); Coastal forests, scrub, and bushlands with dense undergrowth, especially dry thicker country. Breeding / Reproduction / Gestation period; Year – round; 1 fawn born after 6 – to 7 month gestation. Range (Distribution): Eastern Africa, from s Somalia to Natal, extending inland to rift valley in suitable habitat to 9000” (2,700m).
Behaviour (Habit); usually occur in pairs or small groups of one adult ram and up to four ewes and associated young. Rams are territorial with glandular deposits and dung heaps; in some areas these cover about 3 ha although this varies. Predominantly nocturnal but also active in cooler morning and afternoon hours in areas of low disturbance. If disturbed they run off, following a zigzag resembling that followed by a startled hare. Normal movements follow regular pathways, making them vulnerable to snarling.
Key Points Summary;

The Suni lies up in thick cover during the hottest hours, and has activity peaks early and late in the day. Sunis are sometimes seen on one of their regular pathways through dense underbrush; watch for their sideways tail – flicking, which shows the tail’s white underside. When disturbed, a Suni freezes, then gives a high – pitched chee – chee as it bolts in zigzag flight. Typically Sunis live monogamously, but up to four females have been observed with one male.

BATES’S PYGMY ANTELOPE (Neotragus batesi) / BATES’S DWARF ANTELOPE

Total Length: 54 – 62 cm
Tail Length:5 – 5 cm
Shoulder height: 25 – 32 cm
Weight: 2 – 3 kg
Horn Length: Males only (2.2 – 3.8 cm).
IDENTIFICATION POINTERS

Very small; similar colour to royal antelope but darker; tail uniformly dark; ranges do not overlap.

SIMILAR SPECIES;

Duikers, particularly blue (separated on colouration and size).

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

Overall pelage colour of this, Africa’s second smallest ungulate, is a rich reddish – brown with a distinct gloss, with white chevrons on the throat and black and white ear markings. Main identifying character is its small size.

RANGE (DISTRIBUTION)

Fragmented, occurring in the north – east of the DRC and marginally in forests of western Uganda, with an apparent gap across the forest belt to the north of the Congo River, westward. However, given the unexplored nature of this area it is probably present, linking up with populations to the west. In the west there is a population in Gabon, Cameroon and the Congo, with an apparently isolated population in southeastern Nigeria.

STATUS

Although hunted for meat, habitat destruction is minimal throughout much of its range and it is probably under no major threat.

HABITAT(ECOLOGY):

Various forest types with significant under – growth, also disturbed habitats and rehabilitated agricultural areas.

BEHAVIOUR / HABIT / LIFE STYLE

They are predominantly solitary, with males probably being territorial and having ranges overlapping those of two or more females but not those of other males. There is some female range overlapping but distances are maintained between individuals. They are active throughout the 24 hour period but show distinct peaks of resting and feeding behaviour.

FOOD / DIET

Browsers, taking a wide range of plant species, although selectivity seems to be quite high. They readily enter cultivated patches to feed on certain crops.

REPRODUCTION / BREEDING / GESTATION PERIOD

Young are born throughout the year but there are two birth peaks. It is not known with certainty but the gestation period is about 180 days, after which a single fawn is dropped.

ORIBI (Ourebia ourebi) / TAYA

Resembles a small gazelle. Long neck and limbs; relatively level back: short tail black on upper surface, conspicuous against white buttocks. Coat bright yellow – rufous (richer in wetter, paler in drier regions), with contrasting white underparts, buttocks, chin, and eyeline. Black glandular spot below ear. Horns thin, up – standing spikes 3 – 7.5” (8 – 19 cm) long; ridged at base. L. 3” 1” – 4’8’ (92 – 140 cm); T. 2.5 – 4.5” (6 – 11 cm); Ht 20 – 25” (51 – 63 cm); Wt 23 – 37 Ib (10 – 17 Kg). Male smaller than female, weighing on average 2 kg lighter.

Similar species: Steenbok (separated on size), grysbok (separated on habitat).
Habitat(Ecology); Moist savannas. Open short grassland with taller grass patches to provide cover.
Breeding / Reproduction / Gestation period;

Births occur throughout the year but there are marked peaks during the rains. At least in Southern Africa births are seasonal but in the tropics peaks are less well defined. A single lamb is born after a gestation period of about 210 days (7 – month gestation). After birth the lamb remains hidden for up to three or four months before accompanying the group.

Range (Distribution); Senegal east to Ethiopia; e Africa; e Angola and w Zambia; c Mozambique to e Cape Province. It is absent from desert and the lowland tropical zone.
Behaviour(Habit) / Lifestyle; occur in pairs or small parties consisting of one ram, which is vigorously territorial, and up to four ewes. Communal dung – heaps serve a territorial marking function, as do secretions from the pre – orbital glands and other glands, which are “pasted” on to grass stalks. When disturbed they give a sharp whistle or sneeze and run off rapidly with occasional stiff – legged jumps displaying the black – tipped tail. They are inquisitive, however, and will turn to look back at the source of disturbance after running a short distance. Animals are very bound to their range and rarely leave it even when under stress.
Abundant in some areas but seriously threatened in others, e.g, The Eastern Cape, South Africa. The greatest numbers, possibly as many as 100,000, are located in West Africa although even there it has lost ground to habitat destruction.
Identification Pointers; Steenbok – like but larger; yellow – orange rufous above, white below; short, black tipped in most races; long neck; ram has erect, partly ridged horns.
Food / Diet; Principally grazers but browse is occasionally taken. They show a marked preference for short grass and will move if grass becomes too long.
Key Points Summary; The largest of the “small” antelope, with usually rufous yellow – orange upperparts and white underparts and inner thighs, which extend on to the front of the chest. It has a relatively long neck, medium – sized ears and short tail with distinguishing black tIp (sometimes absent). There is a pale throat patch and off – white areas on either side of the nostrils and above the eyes. Hair on the back and underparts may have a curly appearance, is more obvious in some populations (races) than in others. Only the ram (male) has horns and these are short, erect and partly ridged. Some races (subspecies have been raised to species level based on size, horn shape and colour differences, but these are not likely to be valid and represent geographical races. Primarily a grazer, the Oribi also browses in the dry season. Usually it forms monogamous pairs. Family members utter soft phe – pbe – pbe – pbe whistles to stay in contact; male and female perform a joint dunging ceremony along territorial borders. Two or three males may defend the same territory and share females.