
Conservationists have captured the first photographic evidence of the Aders’ duiker, a small antelope species, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The species, often referred to as the ‘forgotten antelope,’ was previously believed to be nearly extinct in the region.
The duikers were photographed during a recent survey conducted by a team of researchers and conservationists in the DRC’s Lomami National Park.
This survey utilized camera traps, which are remotely triggered cameras that capture images of wildlife.
The Aders’ duiker is characterized by its small size, reddish-brown coat, and short horns.
Its known habitat is restricted to a small area of central and eastern Africa, with previous sightings being very limited.
The rediscovery offers hope for the species, as the photographic evidence will help in conservation efforts.
Researchers plan to use this information to better understand the duiker’s current distribution and population size.
Further surveys and protection strategies will be developed to ensure the long-term survival of the Aders’ duiker.