Duiker

The duiker is a small, shy antelope found in forests and grasslands across Africa. They are fast runners, excellent hiders, and helpful in keeping the environment balanced.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Artiodactyla

• Family: Bovidae

• Subfamily: Cephalophinae

• Common Genera: Cephalophus, Sylvicapra, Philantomba

There are over 20 different species of duiker, ranging from tiny to medium in size.

 Common Names

• Duiker

• “Olu” or “Okete” (Yoruba)

• “Kuru” (Hausa)

• “Nzo” (Igbo)

• “Forest antelope” (nickname in English)

The word duiker comes from the Dutch word meaning “diver,” because of how it dives into bushes when scared.

Geographic Distribution

Duikers are found in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially:

• Thick rainforests

• Savannas and grasslands

• Wooded farms and bush paths

• Forest edges near villages

They are more common in West, Central, and Southern Africa.

Image showing forest duiker standing quietly (Source: iStock)

 Physical Characteristics

Duikers vary in color, size, and horn shape, but they all share:

• Short legs and a round body

• Small horns (in males, sometimes females)

• Large, dark eyes and ears

• Tail flicks when nervous or alert

They usually stand 40–70 cm tall and weigh between 5 to 30 kg, depending on the species.

 Common species of Duiker

1. Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola)

One of the smallest antelopes in the world, found in forests.

 Image showing Small blue duiker sniffing the forest floor (Source: Shutterstock)

Key Facts:

• Size: 30–40 cm tall

• Color: Bluish-grey

• Shy and quiet

• Eats fallen fruits and leaves

2. Bush Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)

Also called the grey duiker, it lives in grasslands and woodlands, not just forests.

Image showing Bush duiker standing near tall grass (Source: iStock)

Key Facts:

• Size: 50 cm tall

• Color: Brown or grey

• Lives alone or in pairs

• Adaptable to farm edges and open areas

Diet and behavior

Duikers are mostly herbivores, eating:

• Leaves, fruits, and shoots

• Tree bark and seeds

• Sometimes insects or small animals (rare)

They are active early in the morning or late in the evening, and hide during the day.

Duikers live alone or in pairs, and they defend their space. They are good at running and hiding quickly.

Fun facts

• Some duiker species are so small, they can fit in a shopping bag.

• Duikers have a strong sense of smell and will freeze or dive into bush when threatened.

• The blue duiker can live up to 10 years in captivity.

• Though shy, duikers can make loud snorting or barking sounds when afraid.

• Duikers help clean the forest floor by eating fallen fruits and leaves.

 Importance to Humans

Duikers have both positive and negative roles for people:

Positives:

• Help to control vegetation in forests

• Feed on leftover farm waste and fallen fruits

• Popular in wildlife parks and eco-tourism

• Some communities use them in traditional practices or folklore

Negatives:

• Sometimes eat farm crops like yams or cassava

• Hunted heavily for bushmeat, reducing their numbers

Many local hunters call them “easy targets” due to their size, making them vulnerable.

 Health & common issues

Duikers are hardy animals but still need veterinary attention in reserves, farms, or zoos.

Common health concerns include the following:

• Parasites like ticks and worms

• Stress-related illness from captivity or relocation

• Injury from traps or predators

• Nutritional deficiencies if diet isn’t varied

Care needs (if kept in reserves):

• Safe, quiet shelter

• A natural diet with fresh greens and fruit

• Regular deworming and health checks

• Avoid loud noise and handling

Conservation status

Some duiker species are abundant, but others are threatened or endangered due to:

• Deforestation and habitat loss

• Overhunting for bushmeat

• Human settlement in wild areas

Conservation efforts include:

• Wildlife protection laws

• Eco-tourism and awareness programs

• Forest reserve development

• Banning illegal hunting and bush burning

 Comparison: Duiker vs Antelope

Do you work in conservation, animal farming, or want to learn more about duiker health? Contact Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital Today @ 08143397614.