Red duiker – some interesting facts and figures on this little buck
Vanishing habitat is threatening these beautiful little creatures.
ONCE the striking little red duiker roamed freely in our coastal forests and bush but sadly, development and agriculture has diminished their habitat.
They are now seldom seen in the more developed coastal areas except in places that have been conserved.
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Here is some interesting information about the red duiker:
* As the name suggests this small antelope is a uniform reddish-brown colour.
* Both males and females have short slightly backward slanting horns.
* There is a marked crest of brown and black hairs between their horns and a short, tufted tail.
*They are found in thick forests in KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. They particularly like evergreen and montane forst.
* They browse on berries, leaves, shoots and fruit dropped by the monkey troops they follow.
* These little duikers live a rather secluded, secretive life deep in the forests so not too much is known about them. They can be found in pairs or small groups but are generally solitary.
Source: Wildlife and Environmental Society Field Guide to the Antelope of southern Africa
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