Habitat: Rainforest
Status: Threatened
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest
Yellow-backed duikers are found in a large portion of western and central Africa. In fact, they are the most numerous and widespread of all duiker species. It lives in the dense rain forests of that region. They appear to be dark brown, but upon close inspection a faint yellow or orange stripe can be seen just above its hindquarters. It is this stripe that gives the animal its name. Despite being the most widespread of the 15 duiker species, it is still threatened. This animal is one of the preferred choices for bushmeat and is often hunted for food by locals. They are easily trapped due to its relatively small size, although it is the largest of the duiker species, as well.
The animal plays a vital role in its ecosystem. They eat numerous different kinds of fruit and disperse the seeds throughout the jungle. They will also occasionally eat flowers and leaves, but it is fruit that makes up the vast majority of its diet.
Yellow-backed duikers live in monogamous pairs. They will jointly scent mark their territories and will even sleep in beds formed under fallen trees or in dense vegetation where it would be difficult for predators such as leopards to reach them. This animal is very territorial. In addition to scent marking, they will use a complex set of calls and dominance displays as well as mark trees with their horns. The pairs also work together to raise calves. The male takes an active role in protecting the young from predators.
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