Duikers
Animals

Origin:
Duikers (Cephalophinae), also known as duikers, are small to medium-sized ungulates belonging to the subfamily of antelopes. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, where they inhabit dense forests, savannas and mountainous areas. They get their name from the tuft of fur that grows on their heads.
Specifics:
Appearance: Duikers have a compact body with short legs, which allow them to move quickly and deftly in dense vegetation. Most species have a small tuft on their heads and short, straight horns (in both sexes or only in males). The color of the fur ranges from gray-brown to reddish-brown.
Size: Duikers vary in size depending on the species - the smallest species weigh only 5–7 kg, while the largest (such as the yellow duiker) can reach up to 70 kg.
Behavior: Duikers are mostly solitary or live in pairs. They are very shy and active mainly at night or at dusk.
Interesting facts:
Species diversity: There are more than 20 species of duikers, each with its own unique adaptations to different habitats, from tropical rainforests to mountainous areas.
Diet: Although herbivorous, duikers are omnivorous and their diet includes leaves, fruits, fungi, flowers, and occasionally even small animals.
Speed and stealth: Their name "duiker" comes from the Afrikaans word for "to dive", which refers to their usual behavior - when threatened, they quickly disappear into dense vegetation.
Occurrence:
Duikers inhabit a wide area of sub-Saharan Africa, from the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa to the drier savannas and woodlands of Southern and Eastern Africa. The greatest diversity of species is found in Congo and Gabon.
Hunting:
The duikers are a popular challenge for hunters in Africa, mainly because of their shyness and inconspicuousness. Regulated hunting takes place in many African countries, with hunters primarily seeking their unique trophies (horns) and high-quality meat. Hunting the crested antelope requires a great deal of patience and knowledge of their behavior, as their dense habitats make them difficult prey.