Dik-dik
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? Dik-dik |
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Species
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| Madoqua guentheri Madoqua kirkii Madoqua piacentinii Madoqua saltiana |
Dik-diks are small antelopes, 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.
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.
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 and humans.
Classification
There are four species of dik-dik:
- Madoqua guentheri Thomas, 1894 — Günther's Dik-dik
- Madoqua kirkii ( Günther, 1880) — Kirk's Dik-dik
- Madoqua piacentinii Drake-Brockman, 1911 — Silver Dik-dik
- Madoqua saltiana ( Desmarest, 1816) — Salt's Dik-dik