Cephalophus silvicultor
Western, Central Africa
Least Concern
Forest Dweller
This species of duiker is one of the largest in their family. They inhabit forested areas with dense undergrowth, which caters to their selective frugivore (fruit-eating) foraging habits. Duikers’ bodies ferment starches quickly and have a low-fiber dietary requirement. They will also eat bark, leaves, buds and shoots along with their favored fruit diet.
Chemical Communications
Duikers have scent glands in unique locations on their body. They have glands located behind each hoof and have a gland anterior to each eye. These maxillary eye glands are comprised of up to 3 secretory glands that create slit-shaped, wide cheek openings on their face to expel secretions. Secretions from all their glands allow the animal to communicate with other duikers, announce reproductive availability and claim territorial perimeters.