- The White-bellied Duiker (Cephalophus leucogaster) is a medium-sized forest antelope native to Central Africa, primarily found in the lowland rainforests of the Congo Basin, including parts of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. The species gets its name from its distinctive white underparts, which provide a sharp contrast to its darker upper body.
- These duikers are characterized by their dark reddish-brown to chestnut upper body coloration, transitioning to a notably white ventral area. Adults typically reach a shoulder height of 40-50 centimeters and weigh between 15-20 kilograms. Like other duiker species, both males and females possess short, straight horns, though these are often partially concealed by a prominent tuft of dark hair between the ears. Their body is well-adapted to their forest habitat, with a compact build and relatively short legs that enable efficient movement through dense undergrowth.
- White-bellied Duikers are primarily solitary animals, though pairs may occasionally be seen together, particularly during breeding periods. They are most active during dawn and dusk, showing typical crepuscular behavior patterns. These animals are notably shy and secretive, making them challenging to observe in their natural habitat. When startled, they dive into thick vegetation, using their small size and agility to quickly escape potential threats.
- The diet of White-bellied Duikers consists mainly of fallen fruits, leaves, shoots, and occasionally small invertebrates. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration through their feeding habits. Like other forest duikers, they are selective feeders and may follow troops of monkeys to collect fruits dropped from the canopy.
- Reproduction in this species is believed to occur year-round, with a gestation period estimated at 6-8 months. Typically, a single calf is born, which remains hidden in dense vegetation for the first few weeks of life. The young are weaned at approximately 3-4 months of age, though detailed information about their reproductive biology remains somewhat limited due to their elusive nature and challenging study conditions in their dense forest habitat.
- The conservation status of the White-bellied Duiker is increasingly concerning due to various threats, primarily hunting for bushmeat and habitat loss through deforestation. While they can persist in secondary forests and somewhat disturbed areas, they require sufficient undergrowth for cover and foraging. The species is particularly vulnerable to hunting pressure due to their relatively large size compared to some other duiker species.
- Their distribution is closely tied to the presence of intact lowland rainforest, making them sensitive to forest fragmentation and degradation. While they remain present in several protected areas across their range, population trends are generally believed to be declining in many regions due to increasing human pressures on their forest habitat.
