Cephalophus natalensis, A. Smith, 1834

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2011, Bovidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 2 Hoofed Mammals, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 444-779 : 729-730

262.

Natal Red Duiker

Cephalophus natalensis

French: Céphalophe du Natal / German: Natal-Rotducker / Spanish: Duiker de Natal

Other common names: Red Duiker

Taxonomy. Cephalophus natalensis A. Smith, 1834 ,

Port Natal.

Sometimes includes C. harveyi as a subspecies, but this is considered a distinct species here. Other named subspecies are considered not well founded. Monotypic.

Distribution. S Tanzania, Mozambique, SE Malawi, Swaziland, and E South Africa.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 75-87 cm, tail 9-14 cm, shoulder height 38-47 cm; weight 9.2-13. 6 kg. The Natal Red Duiker is a relatively small, monochromatic duiker. It has a bright red, rufous, or chestnut coat; the back and rump tend to be richer in color than the sides. The underparts are only slightly paler than the rest of the body; they are occasionally yellowish-gray, particularly in the axillary and inguinal regions. There is no dorsal stripe. The legs are the same color as the body or slightly grayer. The tail is thin, darkening from red at the base to black at the tip; the underside is white. There is a tuft of dark hair at the tail tip. The hair on the neck is the same length as that of the body, and may have a wash of gray color. The face is generally red. The muzzle is dark gray or blackish, and the midline of the face is darker and often grayer than the cheeks. The forehead is chestnut-colored; a prominent tuft of hair on the forehead is also chestnut or deep red, and may have interspersed black hairs. The underside of the jaw is white. Preorbital glands form a long slit in front of each eye; this region tends to be swollen in mature males. The ears are short, rounded, and edged with black. Both sexes bear horns; they are significantly longer in males and may be completely hidden in the coronal tuft in females. Distinct rings are present at the bases of the horns. The tips are always smooth. Hornsare typically 4.5-8 cm long in males and 2.4-4 cm in females. The longest recorded horns in this species were 10-1 cm. Dental formula is 10/3, C 0/1,P 3/3, M 3/3 (x2) =232.

Habitat. Tropical and riverine forests and thickets. Population densities of Natal Red Duiker are higher in evergreen forests than in deciduous forests. Average densities are 10-47 ind/km?, but in some areas density has been estimated to be as high as 258 ind/km?.

Food and Feeding. Natal Red Duikers feed primarily on leaves and fruit. Based on stomach-content analyses, leaves comprise an average of 65:7% of the diet; the remainder is principally fruits and seeds. This species is a generalist feeder: 80 plant species have been identified in the annual diet in southern Mozambique. During the dry season (August-September), Combretum sp., Salacia kraussii, and Sapium ellipticum are utilized heavily. Strychnos innocua is preferred during the early wet season (November), and Sesuvium portulacastrum is highly preferred during the late wet season (March). Other commonly consumed plant species (determined by stomach content analyses) include Afzelia quanzensis, Antidesma venosum, Bridelia micrantha, Capparis tomentosa, Carissa macrocarpa, Commelina africana, Commiphora neglecta, Dichrostachys cinerea, Ekebergia capensis, Euphorbia tirucalli, Ficus natalensis, Grewia sp., Indigofera podophylla, Justicia sp., and Ziziphus mucronata. Natal Red Duikers have also been observed feeding on Asparagus falcatus, Gardenia cornuta, and Azima tetracantha. In feeding trials in South Africa, fresh leaves were preferred over dried leaves. The forehead may be used to crack open hard-shelled fruits. Foraging is not limited to forested areas, and this speciesis often seen in adjacent grasslands feeding on broad-leaved plants. Free (drinking) water is not required over much ofits range. Foraging may occur alongside primates, including Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and Blue Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis ); grooming of the duikers by primates has been observed on several occasions.

Breeding. The Natal Red Duiker is not a seasonal breeder. Gestation is approximately 210 days; litter size is one. The interbirth interval is ¢.235 days. At birth, infants are almost black in color and weigh c. 1 kg. Infants will typically stay in a secluded spotfor at least two weeks before regularly following their mothers. Life span in captivity is up to 15 years.

Activity patterns. Diurnal. Most active around dawn and dusk, although potentially active at any time of the day. Depending on habitat quality and food availability, Natal Red Duikers may be active for 30-7-75-8% of daylight hours. This species is rarely active at night.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Both sexes are solitary; the only lasting association is between a mother and infant until maturity. In the absence of females, males will tolerate other males; aggregations of three males foraging together have been observed. However, the presence of a female usually incites aggression or chasing among males. Home ranges of individuals are typically 0-02-0-15 km?, with a defined core area that tends to be based around bed sites. These areas of denser cover are used as refuges from predators; they are also principalsites of rumination. Home range size decreases with an increase in resource availability (and thus population density). There is extensive home range overlap between individuals, even in core areas, indicating a lack of territoriality. A hierarchy is believed to exist among Natal Red Duikers living in the same location, formed and maintained through interactions and scent marking with the preorbital glands. Dung middens are used for defecation. When approached, a Natal Red Duiker will stand in place for only a few seconds before bounding away. The jumping ability of this species is remarkable; obstacles 1-6 m high may be cleared with ease, and there are records of individuals jumping/climbing over fences 2-3 m tall.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The species is locally common in blocks of appropriate habitat, especially in South Africa, but it is impacted by habitat loss (principally for agricultural development) and hunting for meat. The total population has been estimated at 42,000 animals; more than one-half are believed to live in Mozambique.

Bibliography. Bowland & Perrin (1994, 1995), East (1999), Faurie & Perrin (1993), Heinichen (1972), IUCN/ SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2008f), Kingdon (1982), Perrin et al. (1992), Prins et al. (2006), de Vos (1979), Weigl (2005), Wilson (2001).

Figures

On following pages: 259. Western White-bellied Duiker (Cephalophus leucogaster); 260. Uele White-bellied Duiker (Cephalophus arrhenii); 261. Red-flanked Duiker (Cephalophus rufilatus); 262. Natal Red Duiker (Cephalophus natalensis); 263. Harvey's Duiker (Cephalophus harveyi); 264. Black-fronted Duiker (Cephalophus nigrifrons); 265. ltombwe Duiker (Cephalophus hypoxanthus); 266. Rwenzori Duiker (Cephalophus rubidus); 267. Mount Elgon Duiker (Cephalophus fosteri); 268. Mount Kenya Duiker (Cephalophus hooki)

Distribution. S Tanzania , Mozambique , SE Malawi , Swaziland , and E South Africa .