In what could possibly be a world first, an albino blue duiker was recently born at the Johannesburg Zoo. Staff are still trying to confirm whether it is the first of its kind, said zoo spokesperson Senzo Ngcobo on Friday.
Born on May 9, the duiker has yet to be named by the zoo, which has welcomed suggestions from the public. The white blue duiker and its proud parents can be seen in their enclosure in Lemur Lane, near the gorilla enclosure.
Blue duikers are considered endangered and listed in appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. They are hunted for their meat, skin and horns. Known by the scientific name of Cephalophus monticola bicolor, they are the smallest species of duiker.
They can weigh between 4kg and 10kg with a shoulder height of about 30cm to 40cm.
In their natural habitat, they eat fallen seeds, berries, moss and herbs. Leaves, buds, young shoots and grasses are also part of their diet. In captivity, eggs can be added to their diet.
They occur in Central and South Africa. — Sapa