Raphicerus melanotis
Cape grysbok

Cape grysboks, Raphicerus melaotis, are endemic to South Africa. They inhabit a small range from Zululand to Cape Province. (Haltenorth and Diller, 1980)

Cape grysboks prefer open grassy plains for foraging and thick areas of bush for hiding during the day. They range from arid savannahs to moist reed belts. (Haltenorth and Diller, 1980)

Closely resembling Raphicerus campestris, or steenboks, cape grysboks are small antelopes. These animals are rather stocky, measuring 45 to 55 cm at the shoulder, and weighing between 8 and 23 kg. Straight, needle-like horns of 6.5 to 13 cm are found only on males, which are also darker in color than are females. The pelt is comprized of stiff, wiry hairs. Both adults and young have reddish-brown pelage dorsally, with a red underside and a reddish-yellow throat. White hairs sprinkled along the back, from the nape to the tops of the legs, give these antelopes a grizzled appearance. A dark Y-shaped marking can be found running from the forehead down to the nape of the neck. The ears are large with white radial stripes on the inside. The lateral hooves are very small and sometimes absent and small false hooves are present. Foot glands and pre-orbital glands are present and well developed. (Dorst and Dandelot, 1969; Haltenorth and Diller, 1980; Kingdon, 1982)

Grysboks have lifespans similar to Raphicerus campestris. (Kingdon, 1982)

Cape grysboks are generally nocturnal, becoming active late in the afternoon. They seek out open areas for grazing under the cover of darkness. During the day, they can be found resting in bushes or in the shade of rocks. They are reported to be solitary animals, with their only sociality during mating. When threatened, grysboks will lie flat in the grass. If pursued, these animals will run with a zigzag-gallop and dive into a hole to avoid predation. Vocalizing (in the form of bleating screams) only occurs when an individual is caught. (Dorst and Dandelot, 1969; Haltenorth and Diller, 1980)

Home Range

Each animal has a well-defined home territory. These are marked with defecation/urination sites and pre-orbital gland scent markings. Population density is low, with approximately one animal per square mile (Haltenorth and Diller, 1980)

Scent marking is the main form of communication among grysboks. They have very well developed preorbital glands that secrete a sticky, black substance with a distinct odor. However, as mammals, it is likely that there are some other forms of communication. Tactile communication occurs between mates, parents and offspring, and between rivals when fighting. Visual signals, based on body posture, probably are important as well. (Kingdon, 1982)

Grapevine shoots are the preferred diet of Cape grysboks. They also ingest grasses, fruits, and bush and tree foliage. These antelope are reportedly able to survive long periods without water, and some home ranges have no free water in them. (Dorst and Dandelot, 1969; Haltenorth and Diller, 1980; Nowak, 1999)

Because of their small size, grysboks fall prey to many animals. They are hunted by leopards, jackals, crowned eagles, and pythons, as well as humans. (Kingdon, 1982; Sutton Safaris, 2002)

The antipredator behavior of these animals is larely based on their small size. These animals try to hide from predators in vegetation, perhaps in the hopes of going unnoticed. If pursued, they will try to go down a hole, such as those made by aardvarks. (Nowak, 1999)

Cape grysboks are a prey item for a number of large carnivores. They probably have some influence on plant growth through their browsing behaviors. (Kingdon, 1982)

There are claims it that grysboks damage crops, however this is not seen as a substantial issue. (Kingdon, 1982; Nowak, 1999)

Cape grysbok are a common game animal, with trophy prices ranging from $300 to $900 US dollars. They are hunted with dogs. Although these animals may sometimes be eaten, the meat is reported to be dry and is not highly desired. (Nowak, 1999; Sutton Safaris, 2002)

IUCN Red List Threatened Animals 1996 - Conservation dependent (ICI, 2002)

Cape grysboks have very sharp hearing, which helps them remain elusive. They seem to adapt well to the presence of humans, but prefer to inhabit areas with little human development. (Kingdon, 1982)