Dik-Dik

Dik-Dik

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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Gunther's Dik-Diks are graceful dwarf antelopes about the size of a fox terrier. At maturity they weigh up to 12 pounds and are 14 inches tall at the shoulder. These tiny animals (35cm shoulder-height) have almost no tail and a small tuft of hair on the head. Kirk's Dik-dik are reddish-brown with paler flanks and a white belly.

They mark their territory with dung (on the ground) and deposit a tarry secretion on to twigs from a pre-orbital gland (near their large eyes). Their nose, forehead and upper parts have a reddish tinge, and their under parts are light to white. The males have short pointed horns, and are slightly smaller than the hornless females.

Tiny tails and tufts of hair on the tops of their heads are characteristic of Dik-diks.

Both sexes have noticeably elongated noses that enhance their ability to withstand the heat of the bush. (Evaporation from the mucous membranes exposes the blood vessels to cooler air.)

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

Dik-diks thrive in the vegetation that invades disturbed areas such as slash-and-burn agriculture. They depend on dense bushy areas in which to hide. All four Dik-dik species live in dry bush and mixed grass-bush regions of East and Southwest Africa.

BEHAVIOR:

Pairs of male and female establish lifelong territories that they mark with glands on their feet and heads. They also mark their territories with deposits of urine and manure.

Males frequently "horn" vegetation, and raise their crests as a threat display. They have a whistling alarm call.

DIET:

Gunther's Dik-diks feed on green grass, young leaves, fruit, roots, tubers, and fallen leaves. They are able to survive on the moisture from the vegetation they eat, and may go for long periods without drinking.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Single births are usual for Dik-dik females, after a six-month gestation. Young Dik-diks grow quickly, and may be sexually mature at six months.

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