Blue Duiker

Afrikaans name: Blouduiker

Blue Duiker

Photo © Steven Herbert

Philantomba monticola

Interesting facts about the 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.

References and further reading

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

What Antelope is That? - Author: Paul Rose - Published: 1967 - Page: 24

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 152

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 103

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 335

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 68

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 72

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 170

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

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

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

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 252

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

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 415

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

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 214

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

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 220

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 92

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 40

SANBI

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List of South African Mammals