MAXWELL’S DUIKER
Philantomba maxwelli
DESCRIPTION
Maxwell's duiker is a small, forest-dwelling antelope found in Central Africa. It is characterized by its compact body, short legs, and distinctive coloration.
FUN FACTS
- Maxwell's duiker is known for its ability to leap through dense underbrush | It has a unique vocalization that sounds like a bark | This species is named after the Scottish naturalist, William Maxwell
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight25-50 kg
Average Length0.9-1.2 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary or in pairs, typically avoids larger groups
Activity PatternCrepuscular
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
- Habitat
- This species inhabits dense tropical rainforests and secondary growth areas. It prefers areas with abundant cover for protection from predators.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- Central Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon
- Diet
- Maxwell's duiker primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers. It forages in the underbrush of its forest habitat.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, fruits, flowers
- Social Structure
- solitary or in pairs, typically avoids larger groups
- Activity Pattern
- Crepuscular
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
25-50 kg
Weight
0.9-1.2 m
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown to grayish with white markings on the face and legs
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are slightly larger than females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 210 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- Population is currently stable but faces habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture. Hunting for bushmeat also poses a risk.
- Predators
- leopards, large snakes, and humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- Maxwell's duiker relies on its camouflage and agility to evade predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon