Common duiker
A species of Common duiker, Also known as Bush duiker Scientific name : Sylvicapra grimmia Genus : Common duiker
Common duiker, A species of Common duiker
Also known as:
Bush duiker
Scientific name: Sylvicapra grimmia
Genus: Common duiker
Content
Description General Info
Photo By JonRichfield , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Colouration of this species varies widely over its vast geographic range. There are 14 subspecies described, ranging from chestnut in forested areas of Angola to grizzled gray in northern savannas and light brown shades in arid regions. It grows to about 50 cm (20 in) in height and generally weighs 12 to 25 kg (26 to 55 lb); although females are generally larger and heavier than the males. Only the male has horns and these can grow to 11 cm (4.3 in) long.
General Info
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Common duiker predominantly subsists on a diet of fresh grasses, leaves and shoots. Notably, this species displays a preference for soft, young plant matter, often selected for optimal nutritional content.
Appearance
Common duiker is a small antelope with a slender body covered in short, smooth fur. Its coat is primarily greyish-brown, complemented by a white underbelly. It has a short tail and black, hoofed legs. Uneven, twisted horns appear in males, while females are typically hornless. Juveniles exhibit a more reddish-brown coat that dulls as they mature.
Behavior
Common duiker is predominantly diurnal, engaging in most of its activities during the daytime. This solitary forager utilizes its acute sense of smell to locate food which primarily consists of leaves, fruits, and bark. Its survival behavior is based on camouflage and quick retreat when threatened, rather than territorial defense. Males exhibit aggressive behavior during the mating season, notably by head-butting and locking antlers.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By JonRichfield , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original