Cephalophinae

The term "Cephalophinae" refers to a subfamily of forest-dwelling antelopes, commonly known as duikers, found exclusively in Africa. The name "duiker" comes from the Afrikaans word for "diving buck," describing their habit of fleeing headlong into cover when startled.1

These antelopes are characterized by their compact bodies, short necks, and powerful hindquarters, adaptations for navigating dense forest undergrowth. Most species belong to the genus Cephalophus, with the bush duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) being an exception, adapted to savanna environments. Duikers possess distinctive erectile tufts of hair on their crowns and preorbital glands. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, leaves, flowers, fungi, insects, and small vertebrates. They typically live in monogamous pairs that defend a territory.1