| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Cetartiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Genus | Cephalophus (1) |
| Size | Head-body length: 80 – 170 cm (2) Tail length: 7.5 – 15 cm (2) |
| Weight | 14 – 18 kg (2) |
Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (1). Subspecies: Cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus (Ruwenzori black-fronted duiker) is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).
The black-fronted duiker is a sturdy and active antelope (3), named for the broad black streak that runs from the nose to its forehead (2), which distinguishes this species from the other duikers of Africa (4). Its glossy coat is a shade of red, chestnut, or dark red-brown (2) (4) (5), with the hair becoming thinner and darker, almost black, on the long legs (2) (5). The short tail is black with a white tip (4), and the hooves are exceptionally long and narrow, being well adapted to this species’ often marshy habitats (5). Both male and female black-fronted duikers have short, pointed horns (3), measuring between 4 and 12 centimetres (4), which are used in combat with other duikers and in defence against predators (3). The subspecies Cephalophus nigrifrons rubidus (the Ruwenzori black-fronted duiker), which is recognised by some as a distinct species, differs in appearance by having a white belly and thicker hair (4).
Duikers are shy animals that move around alone or in pairs (3). Like other duikers, pairs of black-fronted duikers inhabit a territory that is marked with scented secretions from glands on the face (2). Active by both day and night (5), the duiker follows regular paths from its sleeping shelter to feeding grounds, where it consumes a variety of fruit and succulent vegetation (2) (5). Information on the life history of the black-fronted duiker is lacking, but an individual in captivity lived for nearly 20 years (3).
The black-fronted duiker occurs in numerous protected areas throughout its range, including Lake Lobeke Reserve, Cameroon; Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo; and Ipassa Reserve, Congo (6), which will hopefully help protect this wary antelope from detrimental human activities.
To find out more about the black-fronted duiker and the bushmeat trade see:

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