Abbott's Duiker
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| Cephalophus spadix True, 1890 |
Abbott's Duiker (Cephalophus spadix also known as Minde in Swahili) is a large forest dwelling Duiker (small antelope) found only in a couple of scattered enclaves in Tanzania. It is believed by some to be a subspecies of the Yellow-backed Duiker.
Abbott's Duikers stand around 65 centimetres tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 55 kilograms. Abbott's Duikers have a dark brown coat which is lighter on the underside. There is a large red tuft on the forehead. Abbott's Duiker have long thin horns of 8 to 12 centimetres.
Abbott's Duiker live in mainly in wet forests and swamps at between 1,700 and 2,700 metres above sea level, where they eat mainly fruit and possibly other plant matter. Abbott's Duiker are nocturnal, spending the days at rest in thickets. They form regular pathways through the undergrowth, making them relatively easy to find. If threatened they generally try to run, though they have been known to kill pursuing dogs when left with no escape route.
There are estimated to be around 2,500 Abbott's Duiker left in the world. They are threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
References
- Antelope Specialist Group (1996). Cephalophus spadix. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU C1 v2.3)
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