African Red-flanked Duiker

Red-flanked Duiker

(Cephalophus rufilatus)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 13 8/16 - C.A.R., near Bangui - 3/97
Rowland Ward: Score 4 1/8 - Kozo, C.A.R. - 1987

Description: The short coat is a bright foxy red, while the nose bridge and legs are blue to brown-grey in colour. On the back is a blue-grey dorsal patch, which has pale grey underfur. The narrow , dark nose ends with a black lower lip, which contrasts greatly with the white jaws and upper lip. There is a large glandular slit underneath the eye. The ears have black and white stripes. The tail is narrow, and has a black tuft. Found in both sexes, the straight, slender horns grow 3-9.5 cm / 1.2-3.8 inches in length. These may be hidden in the dark forelock, especially in females.

Other Common Names:

Size:

Range: Western and central Africa; December - August.

Natural History: The red-flanked duiker is believed to be crepuscular - most active at dusk and dawn. Often feeding in the open or in small glades, these duikers live up to their name - bounding for cover with their head down at any sign of danger. These small forest antelopes are sedentary, and maintain the same small home range for many months (if not disturbed). These ranges are marked with glandular secretions, and do not generally overlap. In proportion to its head size, the red-flanked duiker's preorbital gland is the largest of any duiker, which indicates very active marking behavior. This advertisement supports the idea that these duikers are territorial. The main vocalizations are a shrill bark and a bleat.

Hunting Characteristics: