NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



forest regions from St. Lucia Bay in Zululand to 

 the Zambesi and Nyassaland. Although found in 

 greatest abundance in the coastal districts, it is, 

 nevertheless, common at least a hundred miles 

 inland in places such as the Inhambane district 

 near Coguno, and on the lower Tembe and Maputa 

 Rivers near Delagoa Bay. 



These graceful little antelopes inhabit the thick 

 forest belts, and vi^hen alarmed, retreat into the 

 dense undergrowth and scrub where it is usually 

 impossible for a man to penetrate. They are 

 exceptionally timid, alert and secretive, and prefer 

 to escape from their enemies by silently creeping 

 into the dense scrub, under the protection of which 

 they slink off like a Jackal or Wild Cat. When driven 

 out of the bush by beaters with dogs, they bound 

 off at great speed, dodging and twisting amongst 

 the trees, and make again for the nearest covert. 



So perfectly does Livingstone's Antelope blend 

 with its surroundings, that it is exceedingly difficult 

 to detect them in their leafy home. These animals 

 have regular runs or tracks through the dense masses 

 of undergrowth. The only chance an observer has 

 to watch this dainty-looking little animal at its ease 

 in its forest home, is to secrete himself near a large 

 forest glade before daylight or during the late 

 afternoon, and lie perfectly still. Should he keep 

 careful watch he will probably see one or a pair of 

 these wonderfully graceful-looking antelopes appear 

 from a track and begin nibbling the herbage as it 



60 



i 



