Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola)

Overview
The Blue Duiker is the smallest of all duiker species, standing just 32–41 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 3.5–9 kg. Compact and elusive, it has a flat forehead, large eyes, small ears with white edges, and a short dark tail fringed with white hairs that flash like signals in the dim forest light.

Appearance and Adaptations
Both sexes have short, hidden horns around 5 cm long. Scent glands near the eyes and hooves are used for marking territory. Their muted coloring and luminous tail hairs make them perfectly adapted to their forest habitats.

Behaviour and Habitat
Blue duikers are diurnal and highly territorial, living in monogamous pairs within small, forested territories. They use scent from facial glands to mark boundaries and communicate with chirps and cat-like yowls when distressed. Females may whistle to reject mating attempts when not in oestrus.