Duikers

Duikers are not social animals and are usually seen alone or in pairs. Like other small browsing antelopes, duikers are territorial and monogamous (they mate for life). The size of the territory of a pair of duikers is between 5-10 acres (2-4 ha), and both sexes defend it from intrusion by other members of their species.

The care of the young is done mainly by the females. The first born offspring leaves its parents before a younger sibling is born. Within the territory, the male and female duikers rest and feed at different times, and often wander away from one another, which may be why they are seen alone so often.

The courtship ceremony of duikers includes close following of the female by the male, circling and turning by the female, hiding, moaning and snorting by both, mutual scenting, and then mating. Females give birth to one offspring at a time and may have from one to three young a year. Pregnancy usually lasts between four to five months or longer. The newborn duiker lies concealed for the first few weeks of its life when it is nursed by its mother.

Male duikers have scent glands underneath their eyes and on their hooves. The glands under their eyes extend downward and secrete through a series of pores rather than through one opening, as in other antelopes. Duikers in captivity have been seen to mark their territory as frequently as six times within ten minutes. Male duikers also use their scent glands to mark their opponents in battle, as well as engaging in mutual marking with their mates and their offspring.