After receiving complaints about a duiker being kept on a residential property in the North West Province, the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit carried out an inspection on the premises on 11 November 2021.
The NSPCA commented that they had received complaints of the duiker being physically abused and attacked by dogs, but fortunately, the duiker was found to be in acceptable condition with no evidence of abuse and no signs of dog bites.
The owner appeared to show concern for the duiker, commenting that he was ‘searching for a safe space to take the duiker’. The NSPCA offered a solution, and the owner signed a surrender of the buck.
The duiker was then moved to an NSPCA accredited facility for rehabilitation. The NSPCA remains adamant that it is illegal to keep a wild animal without a permit. An official from North West Nature Conservation issued a fine for the illegal keeping of the duiker, which contravenes the provincial ordinance.
It is especially dangerous for wildlife to be housed in a residential area, where wildlife is unable to escape from dangers such as domestic animals, air and noise pollution. There is also the ever-present threat of humans, which can be perceived as a threat by wildlife. This places unnecessary stress on the animal, and these effects are cumulative and may be life-threatening for a wild animal.
Duikers, even though they are still widespread, are losing their habitats due to the expansion of roads and human settlements, pushing them into a close confrontation with humans. They are common in formally protected areas however and are showing no signs of population decline.
Pictures: NSPCA
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