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.
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.
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.
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