SANParks.org Forums

According to old reports they used to be found in the dense bush/riparian forest between the Sand and the Sabie rivers near their confluence. However if you now google earth that area it doesn't look like it even has a low cover of bush - I guess as a result of the hectic floods a couple of years back.

I spend two weeks in mid-November in some coastal forest and even went up to Dilnza Forest and some other sand forest habitat (although I did not expect to see them in sand forest), saw some great birds and several red duiker, but no blue.

I've seen a blue duiker at Addo, while on fence patrol.
But it was on the outside of the electrified Fence, which is stil part of SANParks grounds and we sometimes also do snare patrol in this area.

Photographed this one in the Dlinza forest at Eshowe. Cute as hell.


{Resized by BGS}

And here, although not a great picture, you can see him dashing through the undergrowth as is his wont. I just love the way I caught him with all four legs tucked up. It's almost as if he's flying through the undergrowth.


{Resized by BGS}

Could anyone answer this question for me please. In Dalene Mathee's boek "Kringe in 'n Bos", which of course is set in the Knysna forests, there is reference made to a Bloubokkie ("Die Bloubokkie se gal sit nie in sy kop nie"). I've always assumed this to be the Blouduiker but am I correct?

Your pictures are breath-taking . I think this is the Blouduiker, and there used to be a blue antelope which died out because of it's beautiful blue coat which shone in the sun.

Photographed in the Eastern Cape in the Addo district, not in the park though.

I've also read that book! A bloubokkie is the same as a blue duiker.

WOW! what a beautiful photo GP!

GP - beautiful sighting

I've been meaning to comment about your pic. My first thought when seeing the pic was Grysbok. If I remember correctly Sharpe's do not occur in the area so it has to be Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis

Blue Duiker is not as 'hairy' and definitely doesn't show the white/grey colouring. Still a very nice pic though.

I just stumbled upon this thread again (don't understand why I wasn't sent an e-mail notification) and I agree with Johann. The antelope in your picture, wonderful image as it is, is indeed a Cape Grysbok and not a Blue Duiker.

Thanks guys! Noted as Cape Grysbok.

I arrived at Umhlanga late this afterrnoon. My daughters have been here a couple of days. They suggested that we went for a quick walk through the Hawaan forest.

Explorer saw a movement in the undergrowth... there it was a Blue Duiker.

We all watched it feed for a few minutes before it scented our presence and dashed off.

What a gift

Nice one MM These boytjies are well cool. Don't you just love how they have only two modes:
Mode 1: Stopped (eating, sniffing etc.)
Mode 2: Sprinting like mad

There's no in between. One moment it would be completely relaxed and munching away and the next moment, at the flip of a switch, it would be dashing through the forest like a bullet. No walking, no trotting, no jogging. It's either stationary or full throttle. I love 'em.

Blue Duiker are quite common along the Natal coast - we even have them occasionally visit our garden here in Amanzimtoti.

Diet-wise – similar to Grey Duiker, they just love to browse on rose leaves – we have experienced this quite often.

I agree with “deefstes“ that they have only two gears – stationary and flat-out – that’s why we don’t have photos of them in our garden. They always surprise us with their presence at the most un-expected times and then there is no chance of going for a camera.

On a visit to the Dlinza Forest two weeks ago I spotted my first Blue Duiker in the wild - they are soo tiny. not much bigger than my cat! These two were so relaxed, they were almost under our feet. A very special sighting!

Very special indeed naomi c
Stunning pics.