It’s a Tiny Dik-Dik
Obviously, a Dik-dik isn’t that well-known… so what is it? Buckle up for the cutest little creature on four teeny-tiny hooves.
Alright, so what is a Dik-dik? Dik-diks are a small species of antelope that truly embody the phrase “tiny but mighty.” Want to know how tall they are? Fantastic! At the shoulder, they stand just 12 to 16 inches tall—crazy, right? They also weigh only around 6 to 13 pounds. This means my Boston terrier weighs more than an antelope (she’s also tiny but mighty). Dik-diks are extremely cute, and it’s essential you know they have the funniest little tuft of hair on their heads. On either side of that tuft, males sport the cutest little horns. Their coloring varies depending on where they live but usually ranges from yellow-gray to red-brown. And if you want to talk about cute, they have big, brown eyes. They need these large eyes because dik-diks are “fun-sized” for most predators. Lastly, dik-diks get their name from a distinctive alarm call that sounds like “zik-zik.” Pretty nifty, right?
Where do they live? Dik-diks are an African species of antelope found in East and Southern Africa. They live in a variety of habitats, from arid scrublands to open plains and woodlands. They’re incredibly shy (I would be too if I were fun-sized) and prefer places where they can hide. However, they’ll move if the grass gets too tall and blocks their view.
What do they eat? Dik-diks are herbivores, so they’ll just take a salad, thank you! Built for hot, arid environments, dik-diks get most of their water from their food. Their diet mainly consists of shoots, berries, fruits, and leaves. Surprisingly, they don’t eat much grass; my guess is that grass tends to be a bit dry for them.
What does dik-dik dating look like? Get ready for this: dik-diks are monogamous! To win over a female, males display their speed and nimbleness by rearing up and doing a tiny “Macarena” over her back. Once they’ve found each other, they establish a territory, which the male will defend. They’re never far from each other—so cute, I know. When it’s time for babies, females are pregnant for 5 to 6 months before giving birth to a single fawn. The fawn can run shortly after birth, but the mother keeps it hidden for several weeks. It’s a tale as old as time… Beauty and the Dik-dik.
Do dik-diks have superpowers? Oh man, do they! First of all, dik-diks are adapted for hot, arid environments and can handle temperatures up to 104°F. Like I said—tiny but mighty! Since they live in dry areas, dik-diks don’t need to drink water often; they get most of their hydration from their food. No Stanley Cups needed! Next, let’s talk about that wonderful nose. Dik-diks have elongated, flexible noses that cool the dry, hot air before it reaches their lungs. As the air cools, it also cools the blood vessels in their noses. They have other adaptations, but for brevity (and your sanity), I’ll stop there. Last superpower: dik-diks mark their territory using a gland below their eyes called a preorbital gland. They rub these glands on trees and objects to establish a scent-marked territory. Oh, and one more thing—they have amazing vision with those big eyes! Ok, done.
How many dik-diks are there? There are four distinct species of dik-diks. Honestly, until writing this, I had no idea there was more than one type. It’s wonderful to keep learning new things!
Science time!! Your favorite part.
There are the 4 species of dik-diks.
1. Günther’s dik-dik - Madoqua guntheri
2. Kirk’s dik-dik - Madoqua kirkii
3. Silver dik-dik - Madoqua piacentinii
4. Salt’s dik-dik - Madoqua saltiana
According to the IUCN Red List, dik-diks are listed as Least Concern, with the exception of the Silvers who are data deficient. Threats include natural predators and hunting. For the most part, they are doing alright, and I am super happy to report that.
Resources:
African Wildlife Foundation (n.d.). Dik-dik, Wildlife Conservation. https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/dik-dik
IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group. 2016. Madoqua kirkii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T12670A50190709. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T12670A50190709.en.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park (n.d.). Dik dik. Animals. https://sdzsafaripark.org/animals/dik-dik
