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Dik-diks are small antelopes of the Genus Madoqua, named for the sound they make when alarmed, that live in the bush of southern and eastern Africa. Dik-diks stands 30–40 cm at the shoulder and weigh 3–5 kg. They have an elongated snout and a soft coat that is gray or brownish above and white below. The hair on the crown forms an upright tuft that sometimes partially conceals the short, ringed horns of the male.
Physical characteristics
Female dik-diks are somewhat larger than males. The males have horns, which are small (about 3 in or 7.5 cm), slanted backwards. The head of the dik-dik often seems disproportionate to the animal's small body. The upper body is gray-brown, with the lower parts of the body, including the legs crest, and flanks, are tan. Many dik-diks have a pale ring around their eyes.
Habitat
Dik-diks prefer habitats with plentiful supply of edible grasses and shrubs, but prefer foliage that is not so tall as to obstruct their sight lines. They live in open plains amongst other grass-eaters such as the Giraffes and the Antilopes.
Behavior
Dik-diks live in monogamous pairs in fixed territories of up to 12 acres (0.05 km²).
Diet
Dik-diks are herbivores, consuming foliage, shoots, fruit and berries. They prefer to be semi-nocturnal, feeding mostly at night, especially right before dawn and after dusk. Dik-diks consume sufficient amounts of water for hydration, making drinking unnecessary. Their special shaped head gives them the ability to eat the leaves between the spikes on the Acacia trees, and the ability to feed while still keeping their head high for observation for predators.
Social Structure
Dik-diks form monogamous relationships within defined territories. At birth fawns weigh about 1.5 lb (0.7 kg), and reach sexual maturity in six to eight months.
Predators
Dik-diks are hunted primarily by monitor lizards, eagles, pythons, smaller cats such as the caracal, as well as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, jackals and humans.
Classification
There are four species of dik-dik:
- Madoqua guentheri Günther, 1894 — Günther's Dik-dik
- Madoqua kirkii (Thomas, 1880) — Kirk's Dik-dik
- Madoqua piacentinii Drake-Brockman, 1911 — Silver Dik-dik
- Madoqua saltiana (Desmarest, 1816) — Salt's Dik-dik
External Link
References
"Dik-dik"