Blue Duiker: Cephalophus monticola
One of the smallest antelopes and the smallest duiker.
Characteristics
Weight and Height
Males: wt 10 lb (4.6 kg), ht 13 in (32.5 cm)
Females: wt 12 lb (5.4 kg), ht 14 in (36.2 kg)
Horns
2 in (5 cm); rarely found on females
Coat
Short and glossy
Color
Blue-gray to marron with bluish tint on back; white underparts and underside of tail.
General Locations
Ranges found in eastern and southeastern African forests and wooded areas. Many duikers are found to the west of Nigeria in rainforests and other wooded areas.
Habitat
Duikers tend to stay in large areas and avoid dense undergrowth. They are very choosy feeders -- diet will vary depending on season and environment. Duikers feed primarily on small fruits in rainforest, flowers, insects and fungi.
Activity
Duikers are diurnal animals. They generally spend 7 hours each day searching for food and typically range about 1/2 mi (1 km) each day. Duikers return to the same area each night to sleep, which is considered quite rare.
Social System
Most territories are around 6 to 10 acres, which is considered small by most standards. Duikers appear to be monogamous animals where the male and female share responsibilities.
Reproduction
Most pairs produce one calf per year if they are part of an unhunted forest population. However, in heavily hunted areas, females can produce 2 to 3 young per year. Gestation is typically 4 months.
Predators
Due to their size and tendency to range in large open areas, blue duikers are very vulnerable to predators. Crowned hawk eagle, golden cat, leopard, and baboon are the most common predators.
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