Blue Duiker

Afrikaans name: Blouduiker

Blue Duiker

Photo © Steven Herbert

Philantomba monticola

Interesting facts about Blue Duiker

The Blue Duiker is a really small antelope standing only 35 cm tall at the shoulder (while a Blue Wildebeest can be 145 cm). They only weigh around 4 kg so it isn't going to be much of a meal for a Lion, but for a Crowned Eagle they are just right!

The Blue Duiker mainly eats leaves, flowers and fruit but, surprisingly, they will also eat insects and eggs.

The main habitat for the Blue Duiker is forest, particularly coastal forest. They are territorial and will defend their small territory. The Blue Duiker is very shy and will give a sharp whistle to warn others of an intruder as they bolt through the thick undergrowth.

Females produce one offspring each year.

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References and further reading

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 274

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: 214

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

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 166

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 99

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 90

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: 170

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 154

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

List of South African Mammals