- Maxwell’s Duiker (Philantomba maxwellii) is a small forest antelope native to West Africa, ranging from Senegal to Nigeria. This species is particularly well-adapted to life in both primary and secondary forests, as well as forest-savanna mosaics, showing remarkable adaptability to various forest habitats including degraded areas and farm bush, provided there is adequate cover.
- These duikers are characterized by their slate-grey to dark brown coloration, with a lighter undersurface. Adults are compact and small, typically standing 35-40 centimeters at the shoulder and weighing between 6-10 kilograms. Their body is built for efficient movement through dense undergrowth, with a distinctive rounded back and short, sturdy legs. Males and females both possess short, spiky horns, though these are often barely visible beneath the prominent dark tuft of hair on their forehead. The face features distinctive dark tear marks running down from their eyes.
- Maxwell’s Duikers are primarily solitary animals, though they may form loose pairs within their territories. They are active throughout the day but show peaks of activity during early morning and late afternoon. Unlike many other duiker species, they can be relatively bold in areas where they are not heavily hunted, sometimes even venturing into gardens and cultivated areas adjacent to forests. When startled, they emit a characteristic whistling alarm call before darting away into thick vegetation.
- The diet of Maxwell’s Duikers is diverse, consisting primarily of fallen fruits, seeds, leaves, and shoots. They are opportunistic feeders and will also consume flowers, fungi, and occasionally small invertebrates. These duikers play a crucial role in forest ecology as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration through their feeding habits. They often follow monkey troops to collect fruits dropped from the canopy.
- Reproduction occurs year-round in this species, with a gestation period of approximately 120-150 days. Females typically give birth to a single calf, though twins are occasionally reported. Young duikers remain hidden in dense vegetation for the first few weeks of life, a strategy common among forest antelopes. Sexual maturity is reached at about one year of age, and females can produce up to two offspring per year under favorable conditions.
- Despite facing various conservation challenges, Maxwell’s Duiker has proven to be one of the more resilient duiker species. Their ability to persist in secondary forests and degraded habitats has helped them maintain populations in areas where other forest-dependent species have declined. However, they face ongoing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and intensive hunting for bushmeat, particularly in areas close to human settlements.
- These duikers are territorial, with both males and females maintaining and defending their territories through scent marking using preorbital glands. They create a network of trails within their territory, which they use regularly for movement and foraging. Their home ranges are relatively small, typically ranging from 2-4 hectares, allowing them to maintain viable populations in forest fragments.
- Social behavior in Maxwell’s Duiker is more complex than previously thought, with individuals maintaining loose social bonds through vocalizations and scent marking. They have developed sophisticated anti-predator strategies, including freezing when threatened and using their coloration for camouflage in the dappled light of the forest understory.
