All duikers are somewhat dependent on monkeys, birds, and fruit bats to dislodge the fruit they eat from the forest floor. This trait makes duikers especially aware and alert to the goings on in their forest environment. The newborn begins to nibble vegetation after only one week. It is weaned in 6 weeks. The yellow-backed duiker, along with several other duikers, is hunted for bushmeat.
Adults communicate with grunts and a shrill bleat.