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Sharpe's Grysbok (Raphicerus sharpei)

THE HERBIVORES AND OMNIVORES

Grysbok

Very shy and rare, these solitary little antelope are roughly the size of steenbok or grey duiker, though they are more squat or stocky and have a reddish-brown coat streaked with narrow splotches of white. The back has a characteristic hunched appearance and males have short stubby horns.

Sharpe's grysbok occur in many places north of the Sabie river, but are more common in the taller mopane woodlands north of the Olifants river. As they feed mainly at night, browsing or grazing as the opportunity arises, they are seen infrequently. By day they rest in the protective cover of tall grass or beneath the shady canopy of shrubs. Like grey duiker, these attractive antelope are very timid and dart off into the concealing depths of the bush at the first sign of anything unusual.