Overview
Barely reaching an adult’s knee, the dik-dik is one of Africa’s smallest antelope. These delicate-looking animals are often seen standing motionless beside the track, watching intently before darting into the undergrowth in a blur of long legs and reddish-brown fur.
Dik-diks are exceptionally well adapted to dry environments. They obtain much of the moisture they need from leaves, shoots, flowers and fruit, allowing them to survive without drinking regularly. Their elongated noses also help cool the blood before it circulates through the body, reducing water loss in hot conditions.
They usually live as bonded male-and-female pairs within small territories containing feeding areas, resting cover and well-used pathways. Although tiny and timid, dik-diks are alert, resilient animals perfectly suited to the thorny bushlands and open scrub of northern Tanzania.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a very small antelope with slender legs, a pointed mobile nose, large dark eyes and oversized ears. The back is generally grey-brown, while the flanks, legs and head may be warmer reddish or tan. A small crest of hair rises between the ears.
Only males carry horns. These are short, straight and sharply pointed, but they can be difficult to see because they are often partly hidden by the forehead crest. Females are usually slightly larger and heavier than males.
Dik-diks are most active during the cooler hours around dawn and dusk, although they may be encountered throughout the day. When danger approaches, they often freeze and rely on camouflage. Once detected, they bound away in rapid zigzags and disappear into dense vegetation.
Pairs mark their territories using dung, urine and secretions from prominent preorbital glands near the eyes. These dark gland openings can resemble tears, but the substance they release is a scent secretion rather than tear fluid.
Interesting facts
Their name comes from an alarm call. When startled, dik-diks may produce a sharp whistling sound resembling “dik-dik” as they flee through the bush.
They can survive without drinking regularly. Moisture obtained from leaves, shoots and fruit supplies much of their water requirement.
Their elongated noses help keep them cool. Rapid breathing through the nasal passages helps reduce body temperature and conserve water in hot, dry environments.