Bush Duiker
Sylvicapra grimmia
The Bush Duiker is a master of disguise, a tiny and resilient antelope that thrives right under our noses in the African scrub. With its signature facial stripe and cautious 'diving' habit, it is one of the most rewarding species to discover on a backyard trail camera.
Quick Identification
Size
Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 in) at shoulder; Weight: 12–25 kg (26–55 lbs)
Colors
Grizzled gray to reddish-brown coat with white underparts; distinctive black stripe on the face; males have small, straight horns.
Key Features
- Prominent vertical black stripe from the nose to the forehead
- Distinctive tuft of long hair between the ears
- Small, straight horns on males that point backward
- Arched back with hindquarters slightly higher than shoulders
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
Jun 21, 2026
Under the cover of night, two White Rhinoceroses rest quietly beneath a tree. A Bush Duiker is seen foraging and moving through the foreground, while a second small animal is partially visible near the rhinos in the background.
Jun 18, 2026
A quiet nighttime scene at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Two animals are resting in a clearing under the cover of darkness. On the right, a honey badger is curled up, its distinctive white mantle clearly visible against its dark fur. To the left, a bush duiker lies peacefully on the ground, remaining still and alert.
Jun 18, 2026
In the middle of the night, a cheetah is seen resting on the ground and grooming its coat. A bush duiker sits nearby, staying relatively still while the cheetah is active. Faint light streaks from insects or dust particles are visible drifting across the foreground.
Jun 18, 2026
A quiet night in the South African woodland sees activity from two different antelope species. A Bush Duiker walks across the clearing in the background, moving from right to left, while a Nyala stands still and alert in the foreground, its white leg markings clearly visible in the infrared light.
Jun 17, 2026
Under the glow of nighttime infrared light, a Bush Duiker is seen resting in the middle of a woodland clearing. After a few moments, it stands up and walks purposefully toward the camera, providing a clear view of its delicate frame and large ears before it moves out of the frame.
Jun 17, 2026
A Bush Duiker stands alert in the distance of a darkened woodland clearing. Its large ears and slender frame are visible in the infrared light as it remains mostly stationary, observing its surroundings during the night.
Geographic range
Where Does the Bush Duiker Live?
The Bush Duiker is native to the vast landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa, boasting one of the widest distributions of any African antelope. Its core range spans from the southern tip of South Africa northward through East Africa and across the Sahel to Senegal, though it intentionally avoids the dense, humid rainforests of the Congo Basin and the hyper-arid deserts of the Horn of Africa. Because they are highly adaptable to fragmented habitats, they are frequently spotted in peri-urban areas and agricultural zones across countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Behavior
Bush Duikers are primarily solitary and highly territorial animals. They spend much of their day resting in dense vegetation to avoid predators, emerging during the cooler hours of the early morning and late evening to forage. The name 'Duiker' comes from the Afrikaans word for 'diver,' referring to their habit of diving into thick brush at the slightest hint of danger. Unlike many other antelopes, they do not form herds, though a mating pair may occasionally be seen together for short periods.
These small antelopes are remarkably adaptable and have managed to survive in close proximity to humans. They are known to inhabit the fringes of suburban gardens and agricultural land, provided there is enough cover for them to hide. They mark their territories using scent glands located in dark slits beneath their eyes, often rubbing these against twigs and branches. Despite their small size, they are incredibly hardy and can survive in environments ranging from semi-desert to high-altitude moorlands.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
To successfully capture a Bush Duiker on camera, placement is everything. These small antelopes are creatures of habit and often use the same 'runways' or paths through dense vegetation. Look for small, narrow trails near the edges of thickets or garden boundaries. Position your camera low to the ground—about 30 to 45 centimeters (12-18 inches) high—to match their eye level. Angle the camera slightly upward if the terrain is sloped, ensuring you capture the facial markings and the distinctive tuft of hair on their head.
Because they are extremely skittish, use a camera with a 'No Glow' or 'Invisible' infrared flash to avoid startling them at night. Bush Duikers are highly sensitive to white light or red-glow LEDs, which might cause them to avoid the area in the future. Set your trigger speed to the fastest possible setting; they move quickly and often 'dive' into cover before a slow camera can fire. A burst mode of 3-5 photos or a short 10-second video clip is ideal for observing their cautious behavior and scent-marking rituals.
While you shouldn't necessarily 'bait' wildlife in a way that creates dependency, Bush Duikers are highly attracted to fallen fruit. If you have a fruiting tree like a wild plum or even a garden fruit tree, placing the camera nearby during the ripening season is a surefire strategy. They are also frequent visitors to bird baths or low-lying water features during the dry season. Early morning and late evening are the 'golden hours' for sightings, so ensure your camera is active during these periods.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bush Duiker.
Frequently Asked Questions
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