| Black-fronted duiker | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Genus: | Cephalophus |
| Species: | C. nigrifrons |
| Binomial name | |
| Cephalophus nigrifrons Gray, 1871 | |
 | |
| Distribution of Black-fronted duiker | |
Theblack-fronted duiker (Cephalophus nigrifrons) is a smallantelope found in central and west-centralAfrica.
The black-fronted duiker is a compact, short-necked, and active antelope that gets its name from the broad black streak that runs from the nose to its forehead, a feature distinguishing it from itscongeners. It has a glossy coat that is deep reddish-mahogany to a lighter orange-chestnut in colour, the hair becoming sparser and darker on the long legs. It has a short tail that is black with a white tip and short, pointed horns, measuring 4–12 cm (1.6–4.7 in), which are carried by both sexes and are used for defense against other duikers and predators. Their elongated hooves appear to be an adaptation to the wet habitats they seem to prefer. It weighs 14–18 kg (31–40 lb) and has a shoulder height of 43 cm (17 in).[2]
The black-fronted duiker is found in central and west-central Africa, with an isolated population in theNiger Delta in easternNigeria and then from southernCameroon east to westernKenya and south to northernAngola.[1]
The black-fronted duiker occurs in montane, lowland, and swamp forests, from near sea level up to an altitude of 3,500 metres (11,500 ft). It is frequently recorded in wetter areas such as marshes or on the margins of rivers or streams.[2]
The black-fronted duiker is territorial and monogamous, each pair owning a territory that it defends against neighbours and is marked using the secretions of the facial glands. The pair have habitual paths within their territory that connect sleeping sites with feeding areas and allow them to be active during both day and night. They are mainlybrowsers but will also feed on fruit.[2]
The currently recognised subspecies are:[3]
Media related toCephalophus nigrifrons at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toCephalophus nigrifrons at Wikispecies