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Dik-Dik

Dik-Dik

Twitching nose and tiny hooves - The Dik-Dik

Weighing a mere 5 kg, the Kirk's Dikdik is one of the smallest members of the antelope tribe. Its most distinctive features are its huge eyes and trunk-like snout with down-pointing nostrils. This flexible nose is an adaptation to a semi-arid environment, serving as a radiator to cool blood which flows through the nasal passages to the brain. This evolutionary device allows the dik-dik to be completely independent of surface water, for it gets all its moisture requirements from its leafy diet.

Territorial Borders

In common with all dwarf antelope, the dik-dik is a browser rather than a grazer, favouring dry acacia-dominated scrubland. Pairs are strictly monogamous and defend a territory of between 0.3 and 35 hectares. The borders of the territory are rigorously demarcated by a number of conspicuous dung middens, and by scent-marking prominent twigs with a paste from the antelope's preorbital glands.

Sounding the Alarm

Male dik-dik make a loud whistle when they are disturbed or sense danger. This alarm call sends females and young scurrying for cover - often into an impenetrable Sanseivera thicket. When danger has passed, pairs come together to rub noses and scent-mark their territorial borders.

Many Predators

Dikdik are active during the night and day, but usually keep to dense cover at midday. They are particularly active on moonlit nights. Among their predators are Caracal, Leopard, Rock Python and Martial Eagle. Outside of protected areas, feral dogs pose a major threat.

andBEYOND's Dik-dik Hotspots

Kirk's Dik-dik is abundant throughout the Serengeti-Mara scrublands and also in the Lake Manyara National Park. This little antelope is very common in the dry landscapes west of the Ngorongoro Crater, particularly at Oldupai Gorge. andBEYOND guests at Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Klein's Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and Kichwa Tembo are all likely to see this interesting member of the antelope tribe. At Grumeti, andBEYOND guide Didas Mgodo has been studying these animals for two years.



9 Comments

Dear Sir, My eight year old daughter is in love with the Dik Dik. She did a report in Kindergarten and has books on them, pictures, and has even adopted one in the Cleveland Zoo. Do you have any idea where I could get a stuffed animal of a Dik Dik? Stacy Bradley

By: Stacy Bradley, Date: 31 July 2007

Why would you want a stuffed dik dik?? thats stupid

By: Joshoa Reves, Date: 1 May 2008

Yah dik diks are one of the worlds ugliest animal your daughter needs to seek mental health

By: Jive From Turkey, Date: 1 May 2008

u ppl are sick if she likes an animal then she can get what ever she wants about it I found a stuffed dikdik at the animilia store at stuffedpoach.com

By: Daniel Foley, Date: 1 May 2008

Beauy is in the eye of the beholder.

By: Garth Henkins, Date: 31 December 2008

I agree with Daniel. Everyone has their own opinions. And I think that the person who wrote this article should have stated what the dik dik eats.

By: CathrineK, Date: 18 October 2009

I believe the author did. P.S. Some people refer to the the dikdik as the "Julia Roberts" goat

By: Wanyoung, Date: 1 December 2009

I am in love with Dik Diks! they are my favorite!

By: Katie, Date: 19 March 2010

dikdiks are incredibly cute, and in reply to CathrineK dikdiks eat leaves and are herbivores. everyone has their own opinion and if Stacy Bradley's daughter wants a stuffed toy, it's her own choice.

By: emily,, Date: 12 May 2010

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