Sylvicapra pallidior (Schwartz, 1914)

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

229.

Sahel Duiker

Sylvicapra pallidior

French: Céphalophe du Sahel / German: Sahel-Kronenducker / Spanish: Duiker del Sahel

Other common names: Chad Crowned Duiker

Taxonomy. Sylvicapra grimmia pallidior Schwarz, 1914 ,

Mani, Lower Shari River .

Formerly included as a subspecies of S. grimmia , but is considered to be a separate species here. Scientific literature often combines reports of S. pallidior with the neighboring S. grimmia campbelliae to the immediate south. Monotypic.

Distribution. S Chad, N Central African Republic, C Sudan, and W Ethiopia. Further research may indicate a range extension west of Lake Chad.

Descriptive notes. No specific measurements available. Size is similar to small subspecies of the Bush Duiker (S. grimmia ). Western individuals tend to be larger than those from eastern parts of the species’ distribution. The overall coloration is a pale sandy brown or buff, significantly paler than the Bush Duiker. The mid-dorsal region is darker than the sides. Banding of hairs is reduced, creating a weakly speckled appearance. The undersides and inner surfaces of the legs are white, and this coloration always extends down to the hooves. The forelegs have a diffuse dark stripe on their front surface for most of their length. The distal half of the tail is dark; the underside is white. The face is the same buffy color as the body, with a dark facial blaze extending from the muzzle to the top of the head. The blaze is more diffuse and the ears are longer than in neighboring the Bush Duiker subspecies campbelliae. There is a crest of long hair at the top of the head. Horns, similar in form to Bush Duikers, are only present in males. Dental formulais10/3,C0/1,P3/3,M 3/3 (x2) = 32.

Habitat. Sahelo-Sudanian savannas with interspersed woodland. Characteristic woodland tree species (recorded in northern Central African Republic) are predominantly Acacia sp., with Vitellaria paradoxa, Isoberlinia doka, Combretum hypopilinum, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Afzelia africana, Terminalia sp., and Burkea africana . Population densities of 0-02-0-1 ind/km? have been estimated in this habitat.

Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but presumably a browser like the Bush Duiker.

Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, butlikely similar to the Bush Duiker. A captive individual identified as S. pallidior lived at least 6-5 years.

Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but probably diurnal/crepuscular like the Bush Duiker.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no specific information available for this species, but probably solitary like the Bush Duiker.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (under S. grimmia ). Population estimates are unreliable due to confusion with S. grimmia campbelliae, which may occur in close proximity to the Sahel Duiker.

Bibliography. Bouché et al. (2009), Fay et al. (1990), Grubb & Groves (2001), [IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2008ba), Spinage (1988), Weigl (2005).

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. S Chad , N Central African Republic , C Sudan , and W Ethiopia . Further research may indicate a range extension west of Lake Chad .