Sylvicapra coronata (Gray, 1842)

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2011, Bovidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 2 Hoofed Mammals, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 444-779 : 708

230.

Crowned Duiker

Sylvicapra coronata

French: Céphalophe couronné / German: Senegal-Kronenducker / Spanish: Duiker coronado

Taxonomy. Cephalophora coronata Gray, 1842 ,

Western Africa.

Formerly considered a subspecies of S. grimmia , S. coronata is herein considered to be a separate species. The Bush Duiker subspecies S. grimmia campbelliae and the Sahel Duiker ( S. pallidior ) are sometimes attributed to S. coronata in literature reports, although this species, strictly speaking, is restricted to coastal West Africa. Monotypic.

Distribution. Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea.

Descriptive notes. No specific measurements available, but body size is generally smaller than in the Bush Duiker (S. grimmia ). The build is trim, with long, slender legs. The pelageis bright orange-yellow. Only scattered hairs have black tips, and thus speckling or grizzling of the coat is minimal. The mid-dorsal region tends to be darker and have a reddish sheen. The underparts are yellowish-white, and the upper halves of the limbs are whitish on their inner surfaces. All four legs are colored as the body, with dark brown patches just above the hooves. A faint brown vertical stripe marks the front of the forelegs, beginning at the hoof-patch but not reaching above the carpus. The tail has a dark brown or black tip. The ears are short compared to the Bush Duiker. A deep red facial blaze runs from the muzzle to the eyes, but it does not extend to the top of the forehead. There is a long coronal tuft. Vertically oriented spike-like horns are present in males only. Dental formula is10/3,C0/1,P 3/3,M 3/3 (x2) = 32.

Habitat. Savanna woodland and forest-savanna mosaics, typically dominated by /Isoberlinia trees. Areas with secondary grass growth are preferred, and the color of the coat provides excellent camouflage in dry grass. Sufficient cover is a necessary habitat component. Crowned Duikers are generally present in low densities across their distribution; an estimate of 0-2 ind/km? was obtained from Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal.

Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but likely a browser.

Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but records from captivity indicate a life span of at leastsix years.

Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but presumably diurnal or crespuscular like the Bush Duiker.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no specific information available for this species, but likely similar to the Bush Duiker.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (under S. grimmia ). Widespread acrossits limited range, Crowned Duikers occupy most of their historical distribution, although the population density is much lower than it once was. The species has been assessed as uncommon in Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, and common in Guinea. The Senegal population is thought to number at least 2000 animals. This species is still locally common, especially in protected areas like Niokolo Koba National Park. Principal threats include hunting and habitat loss, but the population appears to be stable.

Bibliography. East (1999), Galat et al. (1992) Galat-Luong et al. (2006), Grubb & Groves (2001), IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2008ba), Lydekker (1914), Weigl (2005), Wilson (2001).

Figures

228. Bush Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), 228. Bush Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), 229. Sahel Duiker (Sylvicapra pallidior), 229. Sahel Duiker (Sylvicapra pallidior), 230. Crowned Duiker (Sylvicapra coronata), 230. Crowned Duiker (Sylvicapra coronata), 231. Maxwell's Duiker (Philantomba maxwell), 231. Maxwell's Duiker (Philantomba maxwell), 232. Verheyen’s Duiker (Philantomba walteri)

Distribution. Senegal , Gambia , Guinea-Bissau , and Guinea .