Page 20 - Intra Muros March Issue 2026

ESTATE NEWS

THE COMMON DUIKER:

AN ADAPTABLE BROWSER

ne of the most delightful and often colour varies from greyish brown to reddish Highly adaptable, they thrive in a variety
unexpected wildlife sightings in the brown, depending on the region and season. of environments, including savannahs,
OSilver Lakes Game Reserve is the The underparts are lighter in colour, and a bushveld, woodland edges and even semi-
common duiker. Although smaller and more distinctive tuft of hair often grows between arid areas. Their ability to live close to
elusive than many of our larger antelope its short, straight horns. human settlements and in fenced estates
species, these charming animals add a special makes them familiar and welcome residents
sense of wonder to our estate. Spotting one Only males typically have horns, which are within Silver Lakes.
quietly moving through the undergrowth is short (about 10cm to 20cm), sharp and slightly
always a rewarding experience. ridged. Despite their modest size, these horns Diet and feeding habits
can be used effectively for defence. Unlike many larger antelope that focus
The common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), mainly on grazing, the common duiker
also known as Grimm’s duiker, is one of Adult duikers usually stand about 50cm at the is primarily a browser. It feeds on leaves,
Africa’s most widespread and adaptable shoulder and weigh between 15kg and 25kg, shoots, fruits, flowers and seeds, and will
small antelope species. The name “duiker” making them much smaller than many of occasionally consume insects or fallen fruit.
derives from the Afrikaans word meaning Africa’s more well-known antelope. This varied diet allows it to survive in diverse
diver, referring to the animal’s habit of diving habitats and during dry seasons when
into bushes for cover when threatened. Habitat and distribution grasses may be scarce.
The common duiker is found throughout
Physical characteristics much of sub-Saharan Africa, including By feeding on fallen fruits and plant material,
The common duiker is a small, compact countries such as South Africa, Namibia, duikers also play a role in seed dispersal,
antelope with a rounded body, slender Botswana and Zimbabwe, and extending as contributing to the regeneration and diversity
legs and a slightly arched back. Its coat far north as Ethiopia and Senegal. of plant life within their environment.

18 | INTRAMUROS MARCH 2026