Red-flanked duiker – Cephalophus rufilatus

Red-flanked duiker – Cephalophus rufilatus

Red-flanked duiker – Cephalophus rufilatus

The red-flanked duiker is a small antelope easily distinguishable from its other counterparts of the same species. It belongs to the order Bovidae.
Located mainly in the Central region, from Senegal to Uganda, Duiker also called “deer-pig” can be observed inside the Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal. The nickname “deer-pig” is attributed to red-flanked duiker because of its stocky appearance, short legs and round back. The animal’s tail is short and ends with a toupee. Legs color varies from black to bluish gray. Animal’s flanks usually have brown fur orange gloss and a wide blue-gray strip along the back. Slight differences may occur between the male and the female, it does not generally have the horns of the male nor the characteristic black crest at the top of the skull. The wide mouth of the Red Duiker flanks enables it to crush the seeds too hard for primates and other frugivorous.
Its lifestyle is relatively solitary and crepuscular, although couples were observed, which suggests that the red duiker leads an existence rather monogamous.
The power of red-flanked duiker is oriented to phillophage, that is to say, a diet based mainly on herbs and plants. It may be fond of young shoots, flowers and fruits. The red-flanked duiker is occasionally carnivore, its diet ranging from small insects to some birds and even carrion.
They are generally found in the grassy plain especially at night, as close to the water and wetlands.
Young are hidden for several weeks by their parents before they can run and manage on their own. Adult duiker, when it gets caught, escapes into the bushes to identify the predator.
Natural ennemies are lions, cheetahs but also eagles and pythons.

 

Category: