Common duikers (Sylvicapra grimmia) are known to be solitary animals. Both females and males have their own territories and are known to fiercely defend them. Male territories usually border more than one female’s territory and the animals will only come together for a few days when they mate. With such a hermit streak it was interesting to see two duikers together on a trail camera photo taken on Mountainlands Nature Reserve. Both were females as only the males have horns. The front animal has darker markings on her face and legs than the one behind, which may mean she is an ewe followed by her lamb.
Twenty days later, in the same location, the trail camera photographs what appears to be the same two. This time it seems mom duiker has decided it is time her lamb should find her own territory and in the photo she is nudging her along. Breeding is year round and ewes give birth after a gestation period of about 6 months. Perhaps this ewe is already carrying the next lamb?
