Neotragus moschatus
suni

Neotragus moschatus is found exclusively in south-eastern coastal regions of Africa ranging from south-eastern Kenya to Natal and Transvaal of north-eastern South Africa. It has also been found on the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia off the coast of Tanzania (Huffman 2001; GISBAU-ADM 1999). Subspecies have been observed on Mt. Kilimanjaro (Mochi and Carter 1971).

Suni are found in thick, dry underbrush either in montane forests above 9000 feet or in riparian reed scrub (Honolulu Zoo; GISBAU-ADM 1999).

Neotragus moschatus is named for its pungent smell originating from preorbital glands that produce a musky secretion (Huffman 2001). It has a slender build and relatively high hindquarters. Dorsally it has a speckled appearance and varies from gray to rich chestnut with a reddish tinge. The sides of its body are paler and the underparts, the chin, throat, and the insides of the legs, are white. The eye is surrounded by a pale ring while each leg is ringed with a black band above the hoof. Only male Suni have horns, which range from 6.5 cm to 13.3 cm. The horns are wideset, black, ridged, and slant back in line with the face. Suni are distinguishable from other small antelope by the absence of tufts of long hair on their heads and knees (Huffman 2001; Honolulu Zoo; Roberts 1951).

Males defend territories of three hectares which they demarcate with preorbital gland secretions. The peripheries of these territories may additionally be marked with individual or communal dung piles (Huffman 2001).

Adult male suni generally associate with one to four females (Huffman 2001).

Young suni are darker in color than adults and are therefore kept well hidden until their coloration provides adequate camouflage (Huffman 2001).

Neotragus moschatus is usually described as shy and secretive. Suni are active during the night and evenings. They spend the day sleeping in sheltered and shaded areas (Honolulu Zoo; Huffman 2001).

Based on studies of stomach anatomy and digestive physiology, it had been hypothesized that Neotragus moschatus required food with high energy content that was easily digestible and low in fiber such as fruit, flowers, and growing tips of dicotyledon shoots. Further studies, however, have revealed that suni's diet is composed primarily of fallen leaf litter which is abundant in their habitat but of low nutritional quality (Lawson 1989). N. moschatus associates with Sykes monkey (Cercopithecus mitis albogularis) and red colobus (Colobus badius kirkii) when feeding opportunistically on fallen fruit in Zanzibar (East 1989). Suni derive their moisture from vegetation and thus are not dependent on water sources (Honolulu Zoo).

Foods eaten include: fallen leaves, buds, shoots, fruits and fungi (Huffman 2001; Lawson 1989).

The coloration and spectacled appearance of Neotragus moschatus' provide considerable camouflage, which it uses to its advantage by freezing and remaining hidden in response to danger. Only when a potential predator is "nearly on top of them" do suni escape by leaping quickly out of sight (Huffman 2001).

Although its secretive nature and excellent camouflage make Neotragus moschatus difficult to find, it is hunted. It thus contributes positively to the tourism industry and economy of the countries in which it is found (East 1989).

The IUCN has classified Neotragus moschatus as a low risk, conservation dependent species (Huffman 2001). The status of N. moschatus varies widely across its range. It is listed as vulnerable in South Africa, not threatened in Mozambique, rare in Zimbabwe, and satisfactory in Tanzania. Suni are threatened primarily by habitat destruction, caused in part by large numbers of Tragelaphus angasii, and by uncontrolled hunting with dogs, nets, and snares. Conservation efforts include habitat management and imposition of six-month suni hunting seasons (East 1989).