Sharpe's Grysbok

## About

A male Sharpe's grysbok.

The Sharpe's grysbok ***(Raphicerus sharpei)*** (pronounced GRIZ-BOK or GR-EYES-BOK) is a species of small antelope that inhabits much of the grasslands of eastern Africa. Grysboks exhibit sexual dimorphism, in that the males of the species are smaller and possess horns, whereas the females are slightly larger. The male's horns typically reach lengths of 5cm (1.9in) however, the largest recorded reached 10.48cm (4.12in). They have a varied coat comprised of a reddish brown rump which becomes a bronze or tan closer to the head and neck, while lighter browns and creams comprise the underbelly, inner ears, inner legs, breast and much of the face/snout. The entire body is also covered in a silver, mottled pattern. The eyes are large and dark, accompanied by preorbital glands, used in territory establishment. Sharpe's grysbok is distinguished from other members of its genus by its lack of false hooves. The species can reach 65-75cm (25.6-29.5in) in length and can weigh 7-16kg (15.4-35.3lb). Though female individuals are known to be larger, their exact size has not been quantified.

## Diet

As with all antelopes, Sharpe's grysboks are herbivorous. As predominant browsers, their diet is contained of 70% browse material, including fruits and leaves. Grysboks are also known to consume roots, tubers and grasses, the former of which they unearth using their hooves. Though they generally do not require hydration via a water body, if available they will drink.

## Conservation Status

The continued development of human settlement in the Sharpe's grysbok's range, has in the past, eliminated the species from areas of their habitat. As this is not considered an imminent threat, the Sharpe's grysbok is classed as least concern by the IUCN.

## Range and Population

Sharpe's grysboks inhabit much of southern and southeastern Africa, in the countries of South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.), Malawi and Tanzania. They occur most often in arid habitats, including various grasslands, savannas and inland cliffs. They have also been known to inhabit woodlands and forests, where thy hide in vegetation to avoid threats. Though the population has not been quantified, it is estimated at 95,000 mature individuals. It is likely this population is stable.

## Behaviour

The Sharpe's grysbok is an extremely enigmatic and secretive species, often hiding in vegetation or other forms of thick cover to avoid confrontation. They are solitary, territorial and nocturnal animals that rarely gather in groups outside of circumstantial mating pairs and females with offspring. Despite their skittish nature grysboks will almost never run from a predator, rather laying outstretched and relying on foliage cover in order to avoid the threat. They may commit to this defense until their predator is almost completely on top of them. If a grysbok does opt to run in the face of a threat, it will remain low to the ground in a purposeful crouch. They will try to find an abandoned burrow whilst fleeing, in order to distance themselves from the predator as much as possible. Sharpe's grysbok can breed yearly, showing a preference in the months of November and December, where southern Africa's spring rainfall begins. Though the breeding habits of the species are currently unknown, it is known that the gestation period lasts for up to 168-210 days and generally results in the birth of 1-2 calves. The young are known to be raised solely by their mother and weaned at 3 months, reaching sexual maturity at 6-19 months. The Sharpe's grysbok's breeding behaviour is unknown however, when compared to their congeners they are also likely polygamous. Though likely not monogamous, a mating pair of grysboks will defend the same territory. If a single male is defending his territory -usually from another competing male-, he will lock horns with his intruder or stab them in an effort to intimidate them. When communicating, Sharpe's grysboks will most often use forms of scent-based communication, such as the secretions produced from their preorbital glands and other facial glands. Between mothers and their calves, tactile communication is more common.

### Relationship with Humans

Sharpe's grysbok have been hunted for bushmeat or sport in areas where they are common however, this is likely not a severe threat to the population.

## In Captivity

This species does not exist in captivity, due to its secretive and enigmatic nature.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/19307/50193414
* Sharpe's Grysbok | Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Raphicerus\_sharpei/