THE BLUE DUIKER 



Slip-knot snares placed in their runs are often 

 employed by natives to strangle these antelopes. 



The Blue Duiker drinks usually once a day in the 

 evening, but often more frequently during exces- 

 sively hot vi^eather. 



One fawn is produced at a birth. 



These antelopes usually associate in pairs, but 

 several may at times be observed feeding together 

 on the fringe of the forest, or in the glades. 



The young are stated to be born during the months 

 of September and October. There is, however, 

 no definite period of the year during which the 

 young are born in all parts of their habitat. In 

 Natal I have captured week-old fawns ; and on 

 dissection of adult females have found embryos 

 during the winter months, and in the spring and 

 summer. In the eastern portion of the Cape 

 Province the Blue Duikers breed more freely in 

 winter than in summer. In the up-country dis- 

 tricts they breed, principally, during the spring 

 and summer seasons. 



The Blue Duiker is wonderfully alert, and possesses 

 the senses of sight, hearing and scent in a high degree 

 of perfection. These, with its diminutive size 

 and inconspicuous colour, enable it to hold its own 

 against its many enemies. Here we have an excellent 

 example of the results of the incessant struggle for 

 the survival of the fittest which is going on with all 

 forms of life, from the lowest form of vegetable, to 

 and including our species. 



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