Red Duiker

Afrikaans name: Rooiduiker

Red Duiker

Photo © Steven Herbert

Cephalophus natalensis

Interesting facts about Red Duiker

The Red Duiker is referred to as the Natal Duiker in some publications, but this isn't a name that I have heard people use.

This is a tiny antelope which is only 40 cm high at the shoulder and weighs around 12 to 15 kg. The Red Duiker is found from KwaZulu-Natal through to Mozambique.

They prefer areas of forest that give them cover but will sometimes be seen along the fringe of the forest. They are very territorial.

They feed on various plant materials, including fruit that has fallen to the ground, and they may even take insects.

Red Duikers breed all year round. Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 210 days. The female raises the youngster by herself.

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 91

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 275

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 220

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 212

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 2001 - Page: 220

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 118

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 106

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 167

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 101

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 88

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 415

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 171

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 155

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 240

List of South African Mammals