Kirk's Dik-dik

About the Kirk's Dik-dik

Kirk's dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) is a species of small dik-dik antelope native to Eastern and Southern Africa. 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. It is also capable of reaching speeds up to 42 km/h (26 mph). The lifespan of Kirk's dik-dik in the wild is typically 5 years, but may surpass 10 years. In captivity, males have been known to live up to 16.5 years, while females have lived up to 18.4 years.

The dik-dik's name is derived from its call. When they feel threatened, dik-diks lie low to prevent detection. If they are discovered, they run in a swift, zigzag-like pattern until they reach refuge in a nearby thicket. During this 'flight', they emit trumpet-like "zik-zik" calls to raise an alarm or to harass predators and publicize the presence of a mated pair. The species is named after a Scottish naturalist John Kirk, who collected the type specimen.

Dik-diks are some of the world's smallest antelopes, with the largest, the Kirk's dik-dik, standing between 35–45 cm (14–18... Wikipedia →