Common or Grey Duiker [Sylvicapra grimmia]
Best places to see Grey Duiker in Botswana
Throughout Botswana across a range of habitats. Very shy and not commonly seen but your best chances are in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Savute in Chobe National Park.
Observations
Predominantly a herbivore diet and one of the most interesting facts about the Duiker is that it is known to feed on insects, small reptiles, birds and even carrion. It is a browser and its vegetative diet includes leaves, fruit and seeds.
It is a species that can go without physically drinking water, instead getting its moisture needs from the leaves and fruit it feeds on. This places it in good stead to survive the arid, waterless expanses of the Kalahari.
The duiker is part of Motswana legend and is protected by the people for saving the life of a chief when been chased by Matabele warriors. The legendary Chief Khama and his warriors were overwhelmed by sheer numbers and retreating from the Matabele when the Chief, too tired to continue after intense fighting, hid behind a fallen tree.
A duiker was resting behind the same tree and it did not move when Chief Khama lay down. When the Matabele arrived in the area the duiker got up and fled and the warriors moved off, thinking that no man would be hiding where an animal was resting. Chief Khama managed to escape and the duiker has been protected ever since.
The duiker is part of Motswana legend and is protected by the people for saving the life of a chief when been chased by Matabele warriors. The legendary Chief Khama and his warriors were overwhelmed by sheer numbers and retreating from the Matabele when the Chief, too tired to continue after intense fighting, hid behind a fallen tree.
This Botswana Wildlife Species Guide provides info on Botswana wildlife including their appearance, diet and behaviour, plus the best places...