Location: South Africa
Habitat: Forests and Grasslands
Diet: Herbivores
Characteristic: Shy and prefer to stay hidden
Conservation: Least Concern
Cape grysboks are native to parts of Southern Africa, specifically found in countries like South Africa and Namibia. They inhabit a variety of environments, including dense forests, shrublands, grasslands, and areas near water sources. Cape grysboks are one of the smallest antelopes, with males and females weighing around 12-26 pounds. They have a compact build and a reddish-brown coat with a grizzled appearance, helping them blend into their surroundings. Their excellent sense of smell and acute hearing are adaptations that help them detect predators like leopards and eagles. Their small size allows them to move easily through dense vegetation to escape danger.
Cape grysboks are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits of various plant species.
Female Cape grysboks give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about six months. Calves are well-developed and can stand and follow their mothers shortly after birth. Cape grysboks are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night to avoid both the heat of the day and potential predators. They are solitary animals and prefer to stay hidden in thick vegetation.
Cape grysboks are not considered endangered. Their adaptable nature and wide distribution contribute to their stable population. However, habitat loss due to human activities can impact their numbers.