Cephalophus zebra (Gray, 1838)

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 : 719

243.

Banded Duiker

Cephalophus zebra

French: Céphalophe zébré / German: Zebraducker / Spanish: Duiker cebra

Other common names: Striped Duiker, Zebra Antelope, Zebra Duiker

Taxonomy. Antilope zebra Gray, 1838 ,

Sierra Leone.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Sierra Leone (E of the Moa River), Liberia, and Ivory Coast (W of the Niouniourou River); recently confirmed in SE Guinea.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 85-90 cm, tail 15 cm, shoulder height 40-50 cm; weight 15-23 kg. Typical of duikers, the back is arched and the legs short. The golden or reddish-brown coat is distinctively marked with 12-16 black transverse stripes, which cross the back and taper vertically down the sides. The first of these bands is located behind the shoulders and they continue to the base of the tail; the striping patterns are individually unique. The belly, chest, and throat are nearly white and lack stripes. Dark garter-like markings ornament the upper legs; these bands cover a tufted gland just distal to the hocks on the hindlegs. The shoulders, lower legs, and nape of the neck are a deep russet. The tail is the same reddish-gold as the rump but has white hairs on the underside. The face is deep chestnut brown and the muzzle is slate gray or black; distinctive facial markings are lacking. Preorbital glands are visible as long slits in front of the eyes. A coronal tuft on the forehead is short and usually deep maroon in color. Both sexes possess a pair of horns that are robust, conical, and sharply pointed. Horns grow 4-5 cm long in males and no more than 2.2-5 cm in females; they may be concealed by the coronal tuft. Dental formula is 10/3, C0/1, P 3/3. M 3/3 (x2) =32

Habitat. Closed-canopy primary forests, as well as along forest margins and clearings, extending into secondary growth. The Banded Duiker is most common in lowland forests (especially in river valleys), but montane and upland forests may also be used. Farmbush (cultivated land interspersed with brushy thickets) is rarely inhabited by this species.

Food and Feeding. Fruits and seeds comprise at least 79% of the diet, based on the stomach contents of four Banded Duikers from Liberia. The fruits of Diospyros sanzaminika were found in all four samples; Bussea occidentalis, Eremospatha macrocarpa, and Tetraberlinia tubmania were also identified in at least one individual. Leaves account for most of the remaining dietary fraction. Banded Duikers are reported to occasionally raid farmland adjacent to forest to feed on crops. Animal matter is opportunistically consumed both in captivity and in the wild. Captive individuals have an increased requirement for dietary copper compared to other duiker species.

Breeding. All data regarding the breeding of this species comes from captive specimens. An estrous female is courted by a male with persistent pursuits; during such chases, the male keeps his head and neck stretched forward and licks at the female’s neck, hindlegs, and anogenital region. Both sexes may make deep grunting sounds during courtship chases. Flehming is used to test female receptivity. Males perform a ritualized high lifting of the foreleg (“laufschlag”) toward receptive females; the leg is lifted to one side of the female’s hindlegs and may be held up briefly or pressed against her body for an extended period. Copulation attempts last only a few seconds but are repeated frequently. The duration of estrus is 12-24 hours; a postpartum estrus allows females to conceive ten days after giving birth. Gestation lasts for 221-229 days; one captive female had an average interbirth interval of 241 days. Littersize is one. Birth weight in captivity averages 1-48 kg (range is 1-27 kg-1-75 kg). Young are born with the characteristic striping pattern visible. However, the golden background color of the coat has a bluish cast in infants; this gradually brightens beginning at two months of age and full adult coloration is reached by 7-9 months. Young lie up in a secluded location for two to three weeks after birth, and are visited by the mother to nurse approximately four times per day; each nursing session lasts several minutes. Consumption of solids begins after one week, and hand-raised Banded Duikers are usually weaned around 95 days. A similar time frame has been observed in motherreared duikers, although the young may continue trying to nurse until approximately 120 days of age. Horn growth begins between one and two months. Males reach sexual maturity at about two years of age. Captive individuals may live 11-13 years.

Activity patterns. Observations of captive specimens in Liberia suggest that the Banded Duikeris a diurnal species (active during 71% ofthe daylight hours, and less than 10% of the twelve hours of darkness).

Movements, Home range and Social organization. A breeding pair is believed to be the normal social unit. Captive pairs develop strong bonds, and frequently rub and lick each other. Both males and females may apply preorbital gland secretionsto their partner’s head, neck, back, and carpal and tarsal joints; males mark more frequently as females approach estrus. Both sexes may defend a territory against conspecifics, and may also take an active role in defending their offspring. Scarred heads suggest that fighting is especially vigorous in the Banded Duiker; it has been suggested that the striped markings may reduce the likelihood of being gored in the abdomen in aggressive encounters.

Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. The total population is estimated to be 28,000 individuals at most, butis likely less than 15,000. The Banded Duikeris threatened by overhunting (for meat) and by the continued destruction of West Africa’s remaining primary rainforests: the species is more sensitive than other duikers to logging and farming activities. Formerly more widespread, the Banded Duiker is now found primarily in protected areas of habitat such as the Gola Forest Reserve in Sierra Leone, Sapo National Park in Liberia, and Tai Forest National Park in Ivory Coast.

Bibliography. Barnes et al. (2002), East (1999), Farst et al. (1980), Happold (1973), IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group (20084), Kingdon (1997), Newing (2001), Schweers (1984), Udell (1981), Walther (1990b), Weigl| (2005), Wilson (1987, 2001).

Figures

On following pages: 245. Eastern Bay Duiker (Cephalophus castaneus); 246. Jentink’s Duiker (Cephalophus jentinki); 247. Western Yellow-backed Duiker (Cephalophus silviculton; 248. Eastern Yellow-backed Duiker (Cephalophus curticeps); 249. Abbott's Duiker (Cephalophus spadix); 250. Black Duiker (Cephalophus niger); 251. Ogilby’s Duiker (Cephalophus ogilbyi); 252. White-legged Duiker (Cephalophus crusalbum): 253. Brooke's Duiker (Cephalophus brookel); 254. Peters's Duiker (Cephalophus callipygus).

Distribution. Sierra Leone (E of the Moa River), Liberia , and Ivory Coast (W of the Niouniourou River); recently confirmed in SE Guinea .