Dik-Dik: Mondoqua kirkii
A dik-dik is a miniature antelope with a pointed snout, large eyes and a duiker-like head.
Characteristics
Weight and Height
Males: wt 11 lb (5.1 kg), ht 14-17 in (35-43 cm)
Females: wt 12 lb (5.5 kg), ht 14-17 in (35-43 cm)
Horns
3 in (7.5 cm); slant toward back of head, large ridges.
Color
The upper body is gray-brown, while the legs, crest, and flanks are tan. The underparts and ring around eye are a pale color.
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General Locations
Dik-diks are typically found in northeastern and eastern Africa, specifically in the Somali-Masai region. Also found in Namibia and Southeast Angola. Dik-diks can also be seen in the following national parks: Meru and Amboseli NP, Samburu-Isiolo and Masai Mara NP, Kenya; Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Arusha NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania; Etosha NP, Namibia.
Habitat
Although the dik-dik has adapted to arid conditions, it must always be able to find cover. Dik-diks are typically found in areas with sparse grass, shrubs and bushes. Dik-diks also prefer rocky hillsides where thick bushes can create a protective habitat.
Most dik-diks are considered pure browsers which means that they are water-independent. Because of the way its mouth and head are constructed, it is easy for a dik-dik to eat only the most nutritious portions of leaves, shoots, and fruits. Dik-diks are also able to stand on their hind legs long enough to reach higher branches.
Activity
Most dik-diks are nocturnal, especially on clear moonlit nights. Serengeti dik-diks, for example, rest only five hours at night, then spend the remaining time browsing for food and then sleep for most of the daylight hours.
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Social System
If one were to observe dik-diks for any amount of time, chances are one would never see a lone dik-dik. Dik-diks are generally monogamous and occasionally can be seen in trios, the third being an offspring. Most dik-dik territories range from 6 to 30 acres (2.5 - 12 ha), with the average range being 12 acres (4.8 ha).
Reproduction
Dik-diks typically reproduce twice each year. East African dik-diks, for example, calve once after the rainy season and once during/after the dry season. The gestation period for dik-diks is 6 months.
Predators
Jackals, eagle, leopard, spotted hyena, wild dog, caracal.
