Cephalophus natalensis A. Smith, 1834

Natal Red Duiker

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Biology

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ARKive external link
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Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Like other duikers, (a word meaning 'diver' in Dutch) (4), the Natal duiker is a shy animal that dives for forest cover at the slightest disturbance (3). Generally the Natal duiker is seen on its own, but occasionally a pair or a female with her offspring may be observed. When Natal duikers do meet, they greet each other by rubbing their facial scent glands together; these scent glands are also used to mark branches, twigs and tree trunks within their range. Only occasionally may a meeting between duikers escalate in to a fight, when the small, sharp horns can be used to inflict considerable wounds (3). Natal duikers consume a diet of flowers, foliage and fruit that has recently fallen from trees (2) (3). Often, this duiker has been seen under trees where a troop of monkeys are feeding, taking advantage of the plentiful, carelessly dropped fruit (3). While in most areas, foraging for this food is undertaken during daylight hours, in highly disturbed areas the Natal duiker may become nocturnal (2). Females give birth to a single lamb after a gestation of about 210 days (3).
"Cephalophus natalensis A. Smith, 1834". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328717". Accessed 20 Mar 2010.