Common Duiker Youngster (Sylvicapra grimmia )

            Masai Mara National Park
Kenya
East Africa

The common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), also known as the gray duiker or bush duiker, is a small antelope and the only member of the genus Sylvicapra. 

This species is found everywhere in Africa south of the Sahara, excluding the Horn of Africa and the rainforests of the central and western parts of the continent. Generally, they are found in habitats with sufficient vegetation cover to allow them to hide—savannah and hilly areas, including the fringes of human settlements. 

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); 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. 

The common duiker has a wide diet; beyond 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. 

They are active both day and night, but become more nocturnal near human settlements, presumably due to the presence of feral dogs and humans. 

Males are territorial and smear gland secretions on rocks and branches to mark their territories; their preferred resting places are generally on elevated ground, where they can observe their territory. Females, by contrast, prefer deeper cover. The overall success of this species stems from its ability to inhabit a wide variety of habitats, as well as from its adaptable, generalist diet. – Wikipedia

Taken in: Kenya / Narok / Ol Kiombo (show map)

Taken on: September 11, 2010

Tags:

Masai Mara National Park

Kenya

Common Duiker

Sylvicapra grimmia

Everywhere in Africa

South Of the Sahara

Savannah and Hilly Areas

Coloration Varies

14 Subspecies

Wide Diet

Males Territorial

Sue Roehl

Pentax K7

coth5

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Sets appears in: • Kenya, Tanzania, Sept. 2010

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