Assessor: Matthew Child
Although this species is used for trophy hunting, trade is unlikely to have any effect on the population as long as permits are well regulated. This species is targeted by international trophy hunters, as one of the “Tiny 10” small antelope. It is also hunted as bushmeat extensively throughout its range and is common in bushmeat markets (Ehlers-Smith et al. 2016), the effects of which may cause local declines or extinctions within the assessment region. In Mozambique, this species was recognised as a preferred species for illegal bushmeat hunting (de Boer & Baquete 1998).
de Boer WF, Baquete DS. 1998. Natural resource use, crop damage and attitudes of rural people in the vicinity of the Maputo Elephant Reserve, Mozambique. Environmental Conservation 25(3):208–218.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/environmental-conservation/article/natural-resource-use-crop-damage-and-attitudes-of-rural-people-in-the-vicinity-of-the-maputo-elephant-reserve-mozambique/3F719C1E62BDC91F504A6071AAAEE6EB
Ehlers-Smith Y, Williams S, Relton C, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Cephalophus natalensis. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.https://www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/pdf/Artiodactyla%20(36%20assessments)/2016%20Mammal%20Red%20List_Cephalophus%20natalensis_NT.pdf
In KZN, there are an estimated 3,046–4,210 individuals in protected areas alone, with the largest subpopulation of 1,666–2,150 individuals occurring in iSimangaliso Wetland Park (2012– 2014 counts; Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife unpubl. data). The estimated area of occupancy, using remaining (2013/14 land cover) forest patches within the extent of occurrence, is 1,800 km2 . This yields a total mature population size of 17,996– 89,979 animals based on minimum and maximum densities. However, the area of occupancy (AOO) of 1,800 km2 may be an underestimate as it does not include thicket habitats, not all patches will be occupied due to poaching pressure (Ehlers-Smith et al. 2016).
There is no evidence at present that poaching risk is causing local extinctions. However, it is feasible that edge of effects of small forest patches may cause local extinctions.
Ehlers-Smith Y, Williams S, Relton C, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Cephalophus natalensis. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.https://www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/pdf/Artiodactyla%20(36%20assessments)/2016%20Mammal%20Red%20List_Cephalophus%20natalensis_NT.pdf
Used for bushmeat and traditional medicine.
The Natal Red Duiker is known to reach relatively high numbers in suitable habitats. For example, in St Lucia, KZN, this species was recorded at densities ranging from 1–2 animals / ha (Bowland 1990).
Bowland AE. 1990. The ecology and conservation of the blue duiker and red duiker in Natal. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa