Maxwell Duiker Hunting African Safaris

Maxwell Duiker

(Cephalophus maxwellii)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 8 12/16 - Liberia, Grebo Forest - 3/86
Rowland Ward: Score 2 5/8 - Sierra Leone - 1927

Description: The smooth coat is a slate grey or grey-brown colour, paling on the underside of the neck and belly. The facial markings are much darker and the head more angular than in the blue duiker. The forehead and nose bridge are dark brown or charcoal in colour, bordered by whitish grey stripes which run from above the eyes down to the nose. The maxillary gland, found on the cheek in front of the eye, is extremely large and conspicuous. The tail is thin and fringed with white hairs. The short, spike-like horns are found in both sexes, rising almost vertically from between the ears. Corrugated at the base, they grow about 5 cm / 2 inches long, but may be hidden by the dark brown forehead tuft.

Other Common Names:

Size:

Range: West Africa, but almost exclusively hunted in Liberia; January - August.

Natural History: Like many small forest antelope, Maxwell's duiker is a nocturnal species whose wariness makes it difficult to observe. The general mode of locomotion is a jerky walk, generally accompanied by flicks of the tail. When startled, these antelope bound for cover. Pairs inhabit home ranges whose boundaries are actively marked by both sexes with secretions from the preorbital glands. These are believed to be defended territories, as neighboring pairs do not usually overlap their ranges. Unknown animals are usually chased out of the home range by the owner of the same sex. Mutual marking between two individuals (generally a bonded pair) is common, and is accomplished by rubbing their heads together. Special sites are used as latrines, and several well-defined trails lead to these from frequently used sleeping areas.

Hunting Characteristics: