Light-Backed Duiker

cephalophus silvicultor

The Light-Backed Duiker, often referred to as the yellow-backed duiker, is the largest and most robust of all the duiker species. Native to the dense, moist forest zones of West and Central Africa, this elusive mammal is a key seed disperser in its tropical ecosystem. It spends most of its time hidden in the thick understory, relying on its well-developed senses of smell and hearing to navigate and avoid predators.

Habitat: Found in dense tropical rainforests, moist woodland savannas, montane forests, and swamp edges of Central and West Africa.

Appearance

This stocky, wedge-shaped antelope features a dark brown to black coat with a highly contrasting patch of pale-yellow to cream-colored hair on its lower back, which flares when the animal is startled. It has an arched back, short but sturdy legs, a slightly elongated face with a prominent crest of reddish-brown hair between its short, straight horns, and large, visible scent glands under each eye.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusCephalophus

Light-Backed Duiker

Interesting facts

Despite being herbivores, these animals have been occasionally documented eating small birds and carrion to supplement their mineral intake.

The word 'duiker' comes from the Afrikaans word for 'diver', referring to the animal's behavior of diving into thick vegetation when startled.

Their exceptionally large mouths allow them to swallow remarkably large fruits and hard seeds whole, which they later regurgitate or pass.

Special abilities

When startled or alarmed, the duiker can erect the patch of light-colored hair on its rump to warn conspecifics of danger.

It possesses prominent facial glands below the eyes used to deposit strong, dark secretions onto branches to mark its territory.

Its wedge-like body structure allows it to duck and dive seamlessly through the thickest tangled undergrowth to escape predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 115+ cm
Weight: 45+ kg
Lifespan: 10+ years
Top Speed: 40 km/h
Clutch Size: 1+
Incubation: 210+ days

Diet & Feeding

The Light-Backed Duiker is primarily a frugivore, actively searching the forest floor for fallen fruits and seeds, supplemented occasionally with leaves, fungi, and animal matter.

Age differences: Weaned young transition from milk to high-protein seeds and fallen forest fruits as they mature.

Primary Foods

Fallen fruits
Seeds
Leaves
Fungi
Bark

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

African Leopard

Panthera pardus

Preyed upon by large forest predators that stalk the dense undergrowth.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

Younger or smaller individuals are occasionally vulnerable to ambush by giant constrictors.

competitor

Red River Hog

Potamochoerus porcus

Competes directly for fallen fruits and nuts on the forest floor.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Light-Backed Duiker?

The easiest way to identify Light-Backed Duiker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Light-Backed Duiker?

115+ cm

How much does Light-Backed Duiker weigh?

45+ kg

How long does Light-Backed Duiker live?

10+ years

How fast can Light-Backed Duiker move?

40 km/h

What does Light-Backed Duiker eat?

The Light-Backed Duiker is primarily a frugivore, actively searching the forest floor for fallen fruits and seeds, supplemented occasionally with leaves, fungi, and animal matter.

Where is Light-Backed Duiker usually found?

Found in dense tropical rainforests, moist woodland savannas, montane forests, and swamp edges of Central and West Africa.

How does Light-Backed Duiker hunt?

Foraging