BUSH DUIKER (Sylvicapra grimmia)

Bush Duiker ( Sylvicapra grimmia) Swahili: Nsya
Bush Duiker is the most common of the duikers,of which there are at least 10 species.Even so,they are not often sighted as they are largely nocturnal,usually only live in pairs and prefer areas with good scrub cover.The duiker stands only 60 cm at the shoulder,is a greyish light-brown colour with a white belly and a brown vertical stripe on the face.The horns(males only) are short,pointed,and grow straight.Duikers are widely distributed and can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from open bush to semi-desert and up to the snow line of the highest mountains except for bamboo forest and rainforest.This ability to survive in many different habitats explains their survival in cultivated areas where other herbivorous species have been exterminated.They are almost exclusively browsers and only rarely eat grasses though they appear to supplement their diet with insects and guinea fowl chicks.They are capable of doing without water for long periods but will drink it when available.