Range-extension of black-fronted duiker (Cephalophus nigrifrons Gray 1871, Artiodactyla Bovidae): First records from Nigeria

Abstract

The black-fronted duiker (Cephalophus nigrifrons) was previously known only from Central Africa. A geographically isolated population has now been found in a small area of the Niger Delta, 500 km from its previously known distribution. It is locally common in the marsh forest zone but has become extinct in some districts. The Nigerian population is indistinguishable from the nominate subspecies C. n. nigrifrons. Its discovery adds to the list of endemic taxa and isolated populations of otherwise widespread species restricted to southern Nigeria. This faunal element may have survived adverse environmental perturbations in a refuge focused on the Niger Delta during the high-latitude glaciations.