Red Forest Duiker Essay

The red forest duiker, Natal duiker, or Natal red duiker (Cephalophus natalensis) is a small antelope found in central to southern Africa. It is one of 22 extant species form the subfamily Cephalophinae. While the red forest duiker is very similar to the common duiker, it is smaller in size and has a distinguishing reddish coloring. Additionally, the red forest duiker favors a denser bush habitat than the common duiker.[2] The Natal red duiker is more diurnal and less secretive than most forest duikers, so therefore it is easier for them to be observed.[3] In 1999, red forest duikers had an estimated wild population of 42,000 individuals.[4]

Contents [hide]
1 Physical Description
2 Behavior and Social Organization
3 Feeding and Foraging
4 Reproduction and Lifespan
5 Habitat and Distribution
6 Conservation Threats
7
7 Interesting Facts
8 References
Physical Description[edit]
Red forest duikers have a body length of up to 1 m, an typical shoulder height of 43 cm, and an average mass of 14 kg.[2][5] Both sexes have short, straight horns about 6 cm long, although in females they may be smaller in size.[2][5] Towards the base, the horns have coarse rings and longitudinal striations, but they are smooth towards the tips.[6] The longest recorded length of horns for the red forest duiker is 11 cm.[2]

The red forest duiker is a rich reddish-brown in color, although the underparts are typically paler.[2] The hairs on the chin, throat, and insides of the ears are commonly a shade of white.[2] A tuft of reddish-brown and black hairs grow between the horns, and the tail has a white tip.[2]

A notable characteristic of the Natal red duiker’s appearance is its hunched back, with front legs shorter than the hind legs.[5] These longer hind legs are in a crouched position, which serves as an advantage when the duiker senses danger and needs to flee by allowing the individual to leap quickly into nearby brush.[7]

Behavior and Social