Blue Duiker by Jordan

Body Length: 50-75 cm / 1.6-2.5 ft.

Shoulder Height: 30-40 cm / 12-16 in.

Tail Length: 7-10 cm / 3-4 in.

Weight: 3.8-5.4 kg / 8.4-12 lb.

Females are generally larger than males in this duiker species. The colour of the coat varies with the region from slate grey to grey-brown, with a bluish sheen on the back. The underparts, inner legs, rump, and underside of the tail are whitish. There is a light eye-brow ridge which curves up to the base of the horns, as well as a glandular slit underneath the eye. The horns are strongly ridged and short, growing 2-10 cm / 0.8-4 inches long. The horns are sometimes absent in females, or hidden by the short head crest.

Gestation Period: 7.5 months.

Young per Birth: 1, rarely twins.

Weaning: By 5 months.

Sexual Maturity: Females at 9-12 months, males at 12-18 months.

Life span: 10-12 years.

Kids lie concealed away from the mother for 2-3 months. At this point their coat changes from reddish brown to the grey-blue colour of adults.

The blue duiker is mostly active at night and at dawn and dusk. Bonded pairs patrol their territory, which are 2.5-4 hectares in size, regularly marking them with scent clues from their pedal glands (situated between the hooves), facial glands, and from defecating. Both sexes chase off any intruders, but will remain tolerant of their own young until they reach 18 months of age. The mother and young contact through soft groaning calls, both freezing at the slightest alarm. Males may emit a whistle or a sneezing sound to raise the alarm. Population densities of up to78 per square kilometer have been recorded in Gabon.

Family group: Solitary or in mating pairs.

Diet: Leaves, buds, shoots, grasses, fruit, insects, eggs.

Created by Jordan, Zoo Tek Designer, 2005.

*Inspired by the Zoo Tek Nature Encyclopedia. (www.zoo-tek.com)

Updated 2010-10-30

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.