Runs with a distinctive diving, zig-zag motion from which comes the name duiker, Afrikaans for diver. Uses its horns and sharp back hooves as defensive weapons. The alarm call is a nasal snort, if caught bleats loudly, a sound that attracts other Duikers, and calls mothers to assist lambs.

How long is a duiker pregnant?

The blue duiker's gestation period lasts 7.5 months; they produce one young per birth and twins are very rare. The young ones are hidden after birth for the first few weeks. At five months, the youngsters are weaned. Females reach their sexual maturity between 9 and 12 months and the males between 12 and 18 months.

How fast can a duiker run?

It is the fastest African antelope, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (96km/h), and can run 7 miles (11km) and be as fresh as it was from the start. Height at shoulder: approx. 47 inches (120cm). Weight: 350 pounds (160kg).

Does a female duiker have horns?

Male and female forest duikers are about the same size, and both have horns. Their horns are small and spike-like, lying so flat against the head that they are not too useful in fighting. Bush duiker females are larger than males, but they usually do not have horns.

Do leopards eat Duiker?

“What eats me”

Blue duikers are easily preyed upon by many animals, including hyenas, wild dogs, African golden cats, leopards, crocodiles, baboons, pythons…and the list goes on. They also are widely hunted by humans. When threatened, they will sound an alarm cry and flee as quickly as possible.

Common Duiker | Nature Notes

43 related questions found

Is a duiker a deer?

A duiker /ˈdaɪkər/ is a small to medium-sized brown antelope native to sub-Saharan Africa, found in heavily wooded areas. ... The 22 extant species, including three sometimes considered to be subspecies of the other species, form the subfamily Cephalophinae.

What is the difference between a duiker and steenbok?

Steenbok are petite, weighing 7-16 kg and measuring 70-95 cm in length. Unlike the crouched stance of forest duikers, steenbok carry their heads high and have long legs, with a shoulder height between 45 and 60 cm. ... Steenbok are also known as steinbuck and steenbuck.

What do duiker antelope eat?

The common duiker has a wide diet; beyond herbivorous browsing for leaves, flowers, fruits and tubers, they will also eat insects, frogs, small birds and mammals, and even carrion. As long as they have vegetation to eat (from which they get some water), they can go without drinking for very long periods.

Does a duiker ewe have horns?

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.

Does Duiker drink water?

“Common” is a most apt description of this small antelope, as it enjoys the widest distribution of all of the African antelopes. They can live without drinking water, and they eat leaves, fruit and seeds, and are one of very few antelope known to eat carrion and insects. ...

What are duiker predators?

Main Predators: Large predators, small cats, baboon, crocodile, python, eagle. Sparse forests, brushy steppe, savanna, and mountainous regions throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The gray duiker, as it's alternate name might suggest, is common and is not on the IUCN's 1996 Red List.

What is the largest antelope in South Africa?

The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220–290 cm (86.5–114 in).

Is a common duiker a herbivore?

Predominantly a herbivore diet and one of the most interesting facts about the Duiker is that it is known to feed on insects, small reptiles, birds and even carrion. It is a browser and its vegetative diet includes leaves, fruit and seeds.

What is duiker in Setswana?

noun. en One of any species of small antelope.

Are blue duikers nocturnal?

The blue duiker is diurnal (active during the day). Secretive and cautious, it confines itself to the forest fringes.

Why are antelopes endangered?

The main causes for concern for these species are habitat loss, competition with cattle for grazing, and trophy hunting. The chiru or Tibetan antelope is hunted for its pelt, which is used in making shahtoosh wool, used in shawls. ... The species has shown a steep decline and is critically endangered.

Is an impala an animal?

Impalas are medium-sized antelopes that roam the savanna and light woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. In the rainy season, when food is plentiful, they may gather in large herds of several hundred animals to browse on grasses and herbs, bushes, shrubs, and shoots.

How many species of antelope are there in South Africa?

There are 72 antelope species in Africa, of which 21 are found in Kruger Park.

What does a gerenuk eat?

Although approximately 80 different species of plants make up their diet; including tender leaves and shoots of prickly bushes along with a nutritious mix of buds, flowers, fruit, and climbing plants. They do not eat grass and do not require water.

Do female kudu have horns?

There is not a big difference between the male and female kudu. The male, also known as a bull, have two twisted, long horns that can reach up to 1.8 metres in length. Some males may also be spotted with two-and-a half horns. ... The female, also known as a cow, weighs anything between 120 kg and 210 kgs.

Do Muntjacs eat meat?

Muntjac is the best meat I've ever tasted. ... The meat probably tastes so good because muntjac are selective feeders, nibbling at small morsels of a wide variety of plants.