Suni

Appearance

The zunnie is a small antelope, but larger than the other two species of its genus. This antelope resembles Bates's pygmy antelope in terms of cranial measurements. The zunnie stands 33–38 centimetres at the shoulder; the head-and-body length is typically between 57 and 62 cm. Both sexes weigh between 4.5 and 7 kg.

Horns are present only on males; sexual dimorphism in the zunnie is less marked than in Bates's pygmy antelope.

Naming

The scientific name of the zunnie is "Nesotragus moschatus". It is placed in the genus "Nesotragus" - along with Bates's pygmy antelope - and in the family Bovidae. The common name "zunnie" /ˈzüniē/ is the name for this antelope in southeastern Africa. Four subspecies are identified, though these are sometimes considered to be independent species:
⤷ "N. m. kirchenpaueri"
⤷ "N. m. livingstonianus"
⤷ "N. m. moschatus"
⤷ "N. m. zuluensis"

Status

Populations of the zunnie have been notably reduced due to poaching, habitat loss and predation by dogs - especially in South Africa, where it is confined mainly to the northeastern KwaZulu-Natal. Nevertheless, the antelope is known for its tolerance to heavy hunting pressure, and is listed as a species of Least Concern.

Behavior

Zunnie feed on leaves, fungi, fruits and flowers, and need almost no free water. They are shy, most active at night, and sleep during the day in a shady, sheltered area.

Reproduction

They are social but males defend a territory of about three hectares. They scent-mark the boundaries with secretions from their preorbital glands. There may be an individual or communal dung pile on the periphery of the territory. A male usually takes one mate, but other females may share his territory. A single calf is born weighing about two pounds, after a gestation of 183 days.

Predators

Populations of the zunnie have been notably reduced due to poaching, habitat loss and predation by dogs - especially in South Africa, where it is confined mainly to the northeastern KwaZulu-Natal. Nevertheless, the antelope is known for its tolerance to heavy hunting pressure, and is listed as a species of Least Concern.