Name: Duiker(common)
Scientific Name: Sylvicapra Grimmia


The common, or grey, Duiker is a tiny, shy antelope with only the males having short horns. The common name refers to a characteristic habit of taking off at high speed in a series of diving jumps when alarmed. The colour of the upper parts varies from a greyish-buff in (S.g. caffra) to a reddish-yellow in (S.g. splendidula) Considerable colour variation within populations are observed in some areas. The under parts are usually white. Most have a black band restricted to the lower part of the face near the nostrils.


They do not occur in forests, although they will take refuge in forests when hiding from a predator. Widely distributed in Southern Africa, but absent from desert regions. The Common Duiker is usually seen at dawn and dusk in open scrub country. They avoid open grassland where there is no shelter.


They are found throughout Africa south of the Sahara, except in the rain forests of Central Africa.


Adult males stand 500mm at the shoulders and females are about 20mm higher.


Males have a mass of between 15 and 18 Kg, females between 16 and 21 Kg.


Potential lifespan is 8 – 11 years.

Duiker (common)