Northern grysbok, Sharpe's
Sharpe's or northern grysbok (Raphicerus sharpei ) is a small, shy, solitary antelope that is found from tropical to south-eastern Africa.
Sharpe's grysboks are small, shy antelopes. They have a reddish-brown coat which is streaked with white; eye-rings, around mouth, throat, and underside are off-white in color. The males have stubby horns, which are widely spaced. Sharpe's grysboks have a short deep muzzle with a large mouth and heavy molar (grinding) teeth.
Sharpe's grysboks are widespread throughout south-eastern Africa. They are found in Transvaal (South Africa), Caprivi Strip (Namibia), Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania to Lake Victoria. These antelopes live in woodland areas with low-growing scrub or medium-length grass. Their habitat is rocky hill country, but they prefer fertile zones on the lower slopes.
Sharpe's grysboks are solitary and secretive creatures. The male and the female share one territory which is marked with dung middens. These antelopes use a communal latrine and mark sticks in its vicinity with pre-orbital gland secretions. Sharpe's grysboks are nocturnal feeders and spend the day in the protective cover of tall grass or shrubs. They are extremely timid and will run away at the first sign of anything unusual; this flight is often accompanied with "short stamping hops". They also often hide in aardvark burrows.
Sharpe's grysboks are herbivores (folivores). They feed on leaves, buds, herb, and fruits. Sometimes they may feed on grass.
Little is known about the mating system in Sharpe's grysboks. They can breed throughout the year. Females usually give birth to 1 or 2 calves after the gestation period of 7 months. Males don't take part in raising the calves. Young are usually weaned when they are 3 months old and become reproductively mature from 6 to 9 months after birth.
There are no major threats to Sharpe's grysboks. However, these antelopes are hunted occasionally for their meat.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Sharpe's grysboks is 95,000 individuals. This species’ numbers are stable and it is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
