Habitat:
Dense forests, wooded areas, moist savannas

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Cephalophus monticola, commonly known as the blue duiker, is a small mammal from the Bovidae family. It is one of the smallest antelopes, standing about 30 to 40 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing between 3 and 6 kg. Its coat is typically reddish-brown with shades of gray, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural habitat. It is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. The blue duiker is solitary or lives in small family groups. It is very shy and uses its agility to escape predators. It is mainly found in dense forests and wooded areas of Central and East Africa.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the blue duiker, it's essential to be discreet and patient. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing the animal. Choose times of the day when the light is soft, such as early morning or late afternoon, to get well-lit photos. Stay still and silent to avoid scaring the very shy duiker. Focus on natural habitats like dense forests to increase your chances of an encounter.