Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Cephalophus
Habitat
Brooke's duiker inhabits dense lowland and montane forests in West Africa, primarily in Nigeria and Cameroon. They prefer areas with thick undergrowth and abundant cover, such as rainforests and secondary growth forests up to 1,500 meters elevation. This terrain provides protection from predators and access to food sources.
Diet
Brooke's duiker primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and shoots from forest plants, acting as a browser rather than a grazer. They forage mainly at dawn and dusk, using their keen senses to locate food in the underbrush. Their diet helps disperse seeds, contributing to forest regeneration.
Behavior
Brooke's duiker is typically solitary or found in pairs, with males defending small territories marked by scent glands. They are mostly nocturnal, resting during the day in dense cover and becoming active at night to forage and avoid predators. This species exhibits shy, elusive behavior, fleeing quickly when disturbed, and communicates through soft vocalizations or alarm calls.
Conservation Status
Brooke's duiker is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting pressure. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including fragmentation of forest habitats and illegal poaching for meat.