Suni (Nesotragus moschatus) lives in open savanna across Eastern Africa. It feeds on leaves and grass. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Suni
- The suni is recognised as one of the tiniest hoofed mammals on the planet, a diminutive antelope within the Bovidae family. It inhabits dense underbrush across a broad swathe of southern Africa, ranging from central Kenya down to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Its distribution also extends to the island of Zanzibar off Tanzania, showing its adaptability to both mainland and island habitats.
- At the shoulder a suni measures only 30 to 43 centimetres, placing it among the smallest antelopes known. Its body mass is similarly modest, ranging from 4.5 to 5.4 kilograms, although some individuals can reach up to 7 kilograms. The head-and-body length typically falls between 57 and 62 centimetres, giving the animal a compact profile suited to navigating thick undergrowth.
- Only male suni develop horns, which grow to a length of 8 to 13 centimetres and are ridged along most of their length before curving backwards toward the head. These horns are absent in females, a sexual difference that is clearly noted in the species description. The presence of horns solely on males reflects a modest degree of sexual dimorphism compared with related species.
- Suni are able to produce weak barking noises and soft whistling sounds while remaining extremely shy, preferring to stay motionless and hidden from predators. Their nocturnal activity means the sounds are most likely to be heard at night when they move about in search of food.
- The suni's diet is composed of leaves, fungi, fruits and flowers, allowing it to obtain the moisture it needs without drinking free water. This feeding habit supports its habit of staying in dense, shaded undergrowth where such food sources are abundant.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeEastern Africa
HabitatOpen savanna
DietLeaves and grass
About the Suni
In the dappled shadows of the forest, the suni moves with stealthy elegance, its large eyes watchful and alert as it navigates the underbrush with a quiet deliberation. With each delicate step, its slender legs seem to barely touch the earth, as if it is floating across the forest floor, leaving behind only the faintest whisper of its presence. As it pauses to nibble on a tender shoot, the suni's gentle nature is revealed, a testament to the quiet beauty that can be found in even the most elusive of creatures.
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