The Cape or southern grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) is a small antelope that is endemic to the Western Cape region of South Africa between Albany and the Cederberg mountains.
It has a rough, reddish sandy coat flecked in white. The head, neck and legs are less flecked and somewhat yellowish, while the inside of the ears, eye-rings, mouth area, throat and underside are white. There is a black “bridge” to the nose and a dark scent gland in front of the eye. It stands only 21″ (45–55 cm) at the shoulder and weighs slightly more than 20 pounds (8–12 kg). The tail of the Cape grysbok is almost invisible (4–8 cm). Males have short, sharp, straight horns about 8 cm long, which are smooth. The Cape grysbok can fluff out the fur at its rear end to make itself look bigger. It has a short and almost invisible tail.
The Cape grysbok is a browser. It can apparently go without drinking water for long periods, gaining most of its requirements from its food. It is primarily nocturnal, though it may be seen during early morning and late evening during the southern winter.
The Cape grysbok’s native habitat is the “Fynbos biome” (Cape Floristic Region), and it inhabits thick shrubland. It can sometimes be found browsing orchards and vineyards. In the Cape Peninsula the grysbok can be found in urban edges close to human activity. It may also be found in reed beds and along the riverbed of the southern Karoo.