Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Blue duiker

Scientific name: Cephalophus monticola


Blue duiker

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: BOVIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Very shy

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: N/A

Gestation: 4–5 mois

Births: N/A


Habitat:
Dense forests, wooded areas, moist savannas

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:
>=400mm

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.

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