When one considers trophy hunting in South Africa, the red duiker is often a worthy consideration as it’s not only a great hunting adventure to target this animal, but they are also needed to complete Africa’s Tiny 10 antelope collection. The red duiker (Cephalophus natalensis), also known as the Natal duiker or Natal red duiker, is native to central and southern Africa. They prefer a habitat where natural water is readily available and are found in both coastal and mountainous regions with indigenous forests, dense thickets, and wooded ravines.

The red duiker is omnivorous, feasting on leaves, fallen fruits, and seeds as well as small birds and other animals, and even carrion. They are diurnal and less secretive than many of the other duiker species. They have a loud and distinctive call, that sounds like something between a whistle and a nasal snort. When caught, they bleat loudly.

Red duikers tend to be solitary animals, in pairs or small family groups of the male, female, and their offspring and it is quite rare to see larger groups. They are non-seasonal breeders, with a gestation period of 213 days after which the female will birth one lamb. The offspring are up and running within a day but will stay well-hidden in dense vegetation for the first while. Although the male plays no role in rearing the lamb, both he and the female will respond to any distress call from their offspring.

Predators of the red duiker include pythons, eagles, leopards, and humans. When spotted by a predator, it will first freeze and then run away with its characteristic zig-zag, ducking, and diving pattern into denser vegetation. Their conservation status is “least concern” which allows them to be targeted by man when game hunting in South Africa.