 Cephalophus
spadix
Abbott's duiker |
Taxonomy | Description
| Reproduction | Ecology
| Behavior | Distribution
| Conservation | Remarks
| Literature |
| Taxonomy
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Cephalophus spadix [True, 1890].
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Citation: Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus., 13:227.
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Type locality: Tanzania, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The initial taxonomic record (above) is taken from Wilson and Reeder (1993).
Cephalophus spadix is placed in the subgenus Cephalophus
[Hamilton-Smith, 1827] (Nowak, 1991). Some authors have suggested that Abbott's
duiker is a subspecies or local form of C. silvicultor, while others
group C. spadix and C. silvicultor into a superspecies (see
Wilson, 1987). Kingdon (1982) suggests that C. spadix represents
an relict ancestral population of C. silvicultor.
General Characteristics
Abbott's duiker is one of the so-called "giant duikers", weighing 50-60 kg
and measuring 100-140 cm in length (Kingdon, 1997). Shoulder height
is approximately 60-70 cm, and tail length between 8 and 13 cm.
Reported measurements for Abbott's duiker (Cephalophus spadix) |
| Source |
Adult Weight |
Head & Body Length |
Shoulder Height
|
Tail Length |
| Dorst and Dandelot, 1970 |
52-59 kg |
- |
66 cm |
- |
| Kingdon, 1982 |
52-60 kg |
97-140 cm |
66-74 cm |
13 cm |
| Kingdon, 1997 |
50-60 kg |
97-140 cm |
66-74 cm |
8-13 cm |
| Walther, 1990 |
50 kg |
100-120 cm |
50-65 cm |
8-12 cm |
| Wilson, 1987 |
Up to 60 kg |
100-120 cm |
- |
8-12 cm |
Cephalophus spadix is a stocky duiker, with relatively short, sturdy
legs and a thick neck (Kingdon, 1997). The glossy pelage is dark chestnut
brown to black over most of the body (Wilson, 1987; Kingdon, 1997). The
belly, lower flanks, and insides of the legs are lighter brown in color,
and often have a reddish hue (Dorst and Dandelot, 1970; Kingdon, 1982). On
the back, just above the root of the tail is a small light grey patch
which may be an ancestral form of the expanded wedge of yellow hairs
seen on the back of the yellow-backed duiker, C. silvicultor (Kingdon,
1982). The untufted tail is tipped with white (Dorst and Dandelot,
1970).
The face is wedge-shaped, and terminates in a broad, flat-fronted nostril
pad (rhinarium) which hangs slightly over the mouth (Kingdon, 1997).
Conspicuous facial markings are absent, but the face is generally pale
grey with a dusky brown forehead (Dorst and Dandelot, 1970; Kingdon, 1997).
On the top of the forehead is a prominent chestnut red forelock or
crest which may be tipped with black (Dorst and Dandelot, 1970; Walther,
1990). The ears measure about 10 cm in length (Kingdon, 1982).
Both sexes possess horns which grow on either side of the forehead tuft (Walther,
1990; Kingdon, 1997). Well-developed compared to the smaller duikers,
the horns are long, thin, and slender without any conspicuous thickening
at their base (Dorst and Dandelot, 1970; Walther, 1990). Reported horn
lengths vary, but encompass the range of 8-12 cm (Walther, 1990; Kingdon,
1997). Dorst and Dandelot (1970) give a central value of 8.9-10.5 cm.
Ontogeny and Reproduction
Nothing is known on the reproduction of this species, although no evidence
of young offspring was found in September (Kingdon, 1982). It
is likely that the reproductive parameters of Abbott's duiker are similar
to those of the yellow-backed duiker, C. silvicultor.
Ecology and Behavior
Very little is known about the habits of this large but shy duiker. Prime
habitat for this species is dense montane forest and high altitude swamp,
although individuals are also sighted in scrub and moorland (Wilson, 1987;
Kingdon, 1997). In the Udzungwa Mountains, C. spadix was recorded
in forests predominated by Parinari excelsa, Celtis gomphophylla,
Bombax rodhagnaphalon, Lettowianthus stellatus,
Tabernaemontana pachysiphon, Tarenna pavettoides, Ficus
sp., Dracaena mannii, Anthocleista grandiflora, and
Macaranga capensis (Rovero et al., 2005). Abbott's duiker
appears to be restricted to wetter, swampier regions of habitat, with the
result that it is usually confined to eastern facing slopes (Kingdon, 1997).
This species was photographed in only one of the four camera
traps set by Rovero et al. (2005; see images above) - this camera
was set along a steep north-east facing slope with low ground cover (grasses
and ferns no higher than 40 cm), in a mosaic of open areas and small patches
of forest.
Kingdon (1982) gives a brief overview of the habits of this species.
C. spadix appears to be primarily nocturnal, spending the day
resting in dense forest undergrowth or among bracken. The camera-traps
of Rover et al. (2005) support this remark, photographing Abbott's
duikers primarily at night (19:00-06:00), although one crepuscular observation
was also made. Kingdon (1982) states that diagonal pathways along the
side of hills are frequently used, with the result that Abbott's duikers
are easily snared. Although generally retiring, this species is known
to kill dogs if cornered with no means of escape. If pressed, individuals
may take to water to escape.
Abbott's duiker is thought to be mainly frugivorous, although the diet may
also include flowers, green shoots, and herbage (Kingdon, 1997). In
September, C. spadix has been recorded feeding on the leaves of balsam
(Impatiens elegantissima) (Kingdon, 1982). One of the first
photographs of Abbott's duiker in the wild
illustrates a duiker
holding an amphibian in its mouth [possibly a Tanzanian torrent frog
(Arthroleptis yakusini], suggesting that C. spadix, like other
duiker species, eats animal matter (Rovero et al., 2005).
Distribution
Abbott's duiker is limited in its distribution to north and south Tanzania,
being found in the Uluguru-Uzungwe mountain range, the Rungwe Mountains,
Usambara Mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and potentially on Mount Meru (Wilson,
1987). In Kilimanjaro National Park and Forest Reserve, this species
is most common at altitudes of 1,300 and 2,700 meters, although individuals
have been sighted at altitudes up to 4,000 meters (Kingdon, 1997).
Countries: United Republic of Tanzania (IUCN, 2002).
Range Map (Redrawn from IEA, 1998)
Conservation Status
Cephalophus spadix is classified as vulnerable (Criteria: C1) by the
IUCN (2002), and is not listed CITES. With an extremely restricted
range, Abbott's duiker is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation as a
result of logging and human settlement (IUCN, 2002). Hunting is also
a major threat (IUCN, 2002). This species, with a total population
is estimated at 2,500 individuals, is dependent on protected areas, notably
Kilimanjaro National Park and Forest Reserve and Udzungwa Mountains National
Park (East, 1999).
Remarks
"Abbott" is sometimes spelled with a single T, resulting in "Abbot's duiker"
(Kingdon, 1997). However, this species is named after Dr. W.L.
Abbott, who collected an adult male specimen on Kilimanjaro between
1888 and 1889, and should thus be written with two Ts. The name duiker
(pronounced "DIKE-er") is Afrikaans for "diver", describing the escape tactics
of many duiker species which involves "diving" into the undergrowth when
alarmed.
Kephale (Greek) the head; lophus (Greek) a crest, a reference
to the conspicuous tuft of hair on the forehead of many duiker species, including
Abbott's duiker. The specific name spadix is a Latin word meaning
reddish-brown.
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Local names (from Kingdon, 1982)
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Minde [Kiswahili]
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Mende [Kichagga]
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French
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Céphalophe d'Abbott (Kingdon, 1997)
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German
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Abbottducker (Kingdon, 1997)
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Literature
Cited
Dorst, J., and P. Dandelot. 1970. A Field Guide to the Larger
Mammals of Africa. London: Collins.
East, R. [compiler]. 1999. African Antelope Database 1998. IUCN/SSC Antelope
Specialist Group. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN.
IEA (Institute of Applied Ecology) 1998. Cephalophus spadix.
In African Mammals Databank - A Databank for the Conservation
and Management of the African Mammals Vol 1 and 2. Bruxelles: European
Commission Directorate. Available online at
http://www.gisbau.uniroma1.it/amd/amd156b.html
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).
2002. 2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available
online at http://www.redlist.org/
Kingdon, J. 1982. East African Mammals: An atlas of evolution
in Africa. London: Academic Press.
Kingdon, J. 1997. The Kingdon field guide to African Mammals.
Academic Press, London and New York: Natural World.
Nowak, R. M. [editor]. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World (Fifth Edition).
Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Rovero, F., T. Jones, and J. Sanderson. 2005. Notes on Abbott's
duiker (Cephalophus spadix True 1890) and other forest antelopes of
Mwanihana Forest, Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, as revealed by camera-trapping
and direct observations. Tropical Zoology; 18(1): 13-23.
Walther, F. R. 1990. Duikers and Dwarf Antelopes.
In Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals, Volume 5. Edited
by S. P. Parker. New York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 325-343.
Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder [editors]. 1993. Mammal Species of the World
(Second Edition). Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press.
Available online at
http://nmnhwww.si.edu/msw/
Wilson, V. J. [compiler] 1987. Action plan for duiker conservation -
IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group and Chipangali Wildlife Trust.
Additional Resources
East R. [editor]. 1988. Antelope Global Survey and Regional Action
Plans. Part I: East and North East Africa. IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group.
East R. [editor]. 1996. Antelope survey update. IUCN/SSC Antelope
Specialist Group: n° 2.
Eves, H. 2000. Duikers: A primary target for Africa's bushmeat trade.
Animal Keepers' Forum; 27(11):497-505.
*Nielsen, M. R. 2006. Importance, cause and effect of bushmeat
hunting in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania: Implications for community based
wildlife management. Biological Conservation; 128(4): 509-516.
Rovero, F., T. R. B. Davenport, and S. Machaga. 2005. Abbott’s
duiker, Africa’s forgotten antelope: notes on distribution and conservation
status. 5th Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute Annual Scientific Conference.
*Thomas, O. 1892. On the antelopes of the genus Cephalophus.
Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London; 1892: 413-430.
van Vuuren, B. J., and T. J. Robinson. 2001. Retrieval of four
adaptive lineages in duiker antelope: Evidence from mitochondrial DNA sequences
and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Molecular Phylogenetics and
Evolution; 20(3): 409-425.
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