Blue Duiker
Cephalophus monticola
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The blue duiker is a small antelope found in central, southern and eastern Africa. It is the smallest species of duiker. The species was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg in 1789. 12 subspecies are identified. The blue duiker reaches 32–41 centimetres (13–16 in) at the shoulder and weighs 3.5–9 kilograms (7.7–19.8 lb). Sexually dimorphic, the females are slightly larger than the males. The dark tail measures slightly above 10 centimetres (3.9 in). It has short, spiky horns, around 5 centimetres (2.0 in) long and hidden in hair tufts. The subspecies show a great degree of variation in their colouration. The blue duiker bears a significant resemblance to Maxwell's duiker.
Fun Fact
Blue duikers are the smallest antelope in Africa, weighing just 4–6 kg (9–13 lb), and they form lifelong monogamous pairs — an unusual trait among antelope.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical and montane forests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
7-12 years
Threats
- Wildfire
- Illegal Logging