- The Yellow-backed Duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor) is the largest species of duiker, standing as an impressive forest antelope native to central and western Africa. Its range extends from Senegal to western Uganda and south to northern Angola, predominantly inhabiting primary and secondary rainforests, montane forests, and occasionally dense woodland savannas. The species gets its common name from the distinctive yellow to golden patch of hair that appears along its back, creating a striking contrast against its otherwise dark coat.
- These magnificent duikers are characterized by their substantial size, reaching a shoulder height of 70-80 centimeters and weighing between 45-80 kilograms, with some individuals reportedly reaching up to 100 kilograms. Their coat is predominantly dark brown to black, with the characteristic yellow to golden dorsal patch becoming more prominent when the animal is excited or alarmed. Both sexes possess short, robust horns that can reach lengths of 8-12 centimeters, though these are often partially hidden by a prominent tuft of dark hair between the ears. Their build is robust and powerful, with a distinctive sloping back and strong, muscular legs adapted for their forest habitat.
- Yellow-backed Duikers are primarily solitary animals, though they may form temporary pairs during breeding seasons. They are active both day and night, showing more flexibility in their activity patterns than many other duiker species. These animals are known for their secretive nature despite their large size, and they are remarkably adept at moving silently through dense forest undergrowth. When threatened, they can be surprisingly agile, capable of rapid flight through thick vegetation and even clearing obstacles with impressive leaps.
- The species’ diet is diverse, consisting of fruits, leaves, shoots, seeds, and occasionally small animals such as insects and even carrion. They are important seed dispersers in their forest ecosystems, contributing significantly to forest regeneration through their feeding habits. Their large size allows them to handle and consume larger fruits than other duiker species, giving them access to a unique dietary niche within their habitat.
- Reproduction in Yellow-backed Duikers occurs year-round in most areas, with a gestation period of approximately 7-8 months. Typically, a single calf is born, weighing around 4-5 kilograms. Despite their large size, young duikers employ the same hiding strategy as smaller duiker species, remaining concealed in dense vegetation for the first few weeks of life. Sexual maturity is reached at about two years of age, relatively later than in smaller duiker species.
- The conservation status of the Yellow-backed Duiker faces significant challenges. Their large size makes them particularly attractive targets for bushmeat hunters, and their requirement for relatively intact forest habitat makes them vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation. While they show some adaptability to secondary forests, they generally require large tracts of forest with sufficient undergrowth for cover and foraging.
- These duikers play a crucial role in their ecosystem, not only as seed dispersers but also as prey for large forest predators such as leopards. Their presence is often considered an indicator of forest health, as they require relatively intact forest ecosystems to maintain viable populations. In many areas, their numbers have declined due to hunting pressure and habitat loss, though they remain relatively common in well-protected areas with suitable habitat.
