Dik-dik

Madoqua

Behavior and diet

The dik-dik is a tiny antelope that dwells within the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa. Four species are found in eastern and southern Africa. The name dik-diks comes from the sound a female makes when cautioning others. As small as these creatures are, the female is slightly larger in size than her male counterpart. Males have small horns, (3 in or 7.5 cm), inclined rearward and with vertical ridges. Although many people have never even heard of the dik-dik prior to a safari, its delicate nature and large eyes often make them the post-safari darling. The dik-dik is monogamous and will spend over half its time with its partner. The tiny antelope is an herbivore, mainly feeding on berries and leaves. Its tiny, tapered head may help it to reach the leaves between the sharp thorns on the acacia unscathed. Gestation period for females is around six months and it normally has one young at a time.