Kirk's dik-dik is a small antelope native to Eastern Africa and one of four species of dik-dik antelope. It is believed to have six subspecies and possibly a seventh existing in southwest Africa. Dik-diks are herbivores, typically of a fawn color that aids in camouflaging themselves in savannah habitats.
Similar species: Even-toed Ungulates
By Living Wild
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Uploaded Jan 16, 2015. Captured Jan 12, 2015 14:26 in Etosha National Park, Dik-Dik Drive, Namibia.
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Kirk’s Dik-dik is a shy, dainty antelope with large, gorgeous eyes, prominent preorbital glands, and a mobile snout. And, they are tiny! Kirk’s Dik-dik only stands 35-45 cm (14-18 in) tall and weighs no more than 7 kg (16 lb)! They are native to eastern Africa and are adapted to survive in very arid habitats. They drink very little water, and rely instead on the plants they eat in order to obtain water. Interestingly, they excrete the driest poop and most concentrated urine of any ungulate. They literally don’t waste a drop of water, even in their waste. Furthermore, by resting in the shade, being mostly nocturnal, and panting through their noses, they are able to withstand the hot, dry climate.
Their unusual common name comes from their alarm call, which some think sounds like “dik-dik”. I think that it perhaps sounds more like a wheezing whistle or a dog’s squeaky chew toy. Either way, “dik-dik” is much more fun to say than this creature’s scientific name, Madoqua kirkii. When threatened, they run up to 40km/hr (25mph) in a zig-zag pattern while whistling through their noses. Pretty cute indeed! {Spotted in Namibia by JungleDragon user, Living Wild} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago