Blue duiker
Cephalophus monticola
Key identification features
Very small antelope. Colour varies from blue-grey to grey-brown above (underparts whitish-grey). Both sexes have horns which are lightly ridged at the base, but which do not have rings extending up the horn. HB 50-80 cm. Wt 4.5-8 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
Solitary or in pairs. Found in open forests, gallery forests and dense bushland.
Similar species
This species is easily confused with the suni, which is very similar in size and appearance and is found in much the same habitat. Suni are generally lighter in colour, though this can be difficult to establish in poor light. Suni have rings that go ¾ of the way up their horns, their facial scent gland is straight. Blue duiker have no rings on their horns, their facial gland has a very distinct downwards curve. The Suni’s tail is a uniform brown colour, somewhat furry, and moves from side to side. The blue duikers tail is short, has a distinctive black stripe flanked by white, and flicks up and down.
Distribution Map
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