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White-bellied duiker

Cephalophus leucogaster

MammalHuntableListed as Near Threaten…

Overview

The palest forest duiker, medium-sized, and with a long, narrow muzzle. The general color is a warm sandy tan, becoming grayish near the black dorsal line and reddish on the rump and thighs. The underparts from chin to rump are white. A narrow, blackish dorsal stripe extends from the neck or shoulders to the base of the tail. The tail is reddish on top, with a conspicuous black and white tip. The forehead is blackish brown with a short orange and black head tuft. Inguinal (grain) glands are present. The horns (both sexes) are cone-shaped, and strongly ridged and thick at the base. Females are similar to males, but are somewhat larger and have smaller horns.

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammal
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Cephalophus

Habitat

Forests, with second growth preferred. Also forest edges, gallery forests and savanna thickets. Distribution- Southern Cameroon, extreme southwestern Central African Republic, Rio Muni, Gabon, Congo (B), and in Congo (K) north of the Congo River and south of the forest-savanna mosaic near the northern border, eastward to the Ituri region. Rather common in suitable localities.

Diet

These animals browse on plants and fallen fruit.

Behavior

Solitary and nocturnal, concealing itself in a protected place during the day.

Hunting

Many hunts take place in Cameroon and it is best taken by shot-gun or a large caliber solid bullet. They can be found by spot and stalk methods or can be called in by using distress calls.

Conservation Status

Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.