Why do forest-dwelling bovids often have camouflage coloration?

Forest-dwelling bovids, such as duikers, utilize camouflage coloration primarily as a survival strategy to avoid predation in dense, closed habitats. Unlike bovids that inhabit open plains and rely on flight and conspicuous coloration to advertise their presence, forest-dwelling species have evolved to rely on concealment.12

This concealing coloration functions through background matching, where the animal's appearance—often featuring grizzled or banded hair—allows it to blend into the shadows and vegetation of the forest floor. This physical camouflage is complemented by cryptic behavior; these animals move stealthily and often "freeze" in place to remain undetected. By effectively masking their location and identity, these bovids can navigate their environment and evade predators while foraging for food in the undergrowth.1342