Facts
·
Horns are only found on the males. However, a tuft of hair
that is located on the forehead can conceal the horns (Scheibe,
1999).
· The females are
sexually mature at six months of age, and are ready to reproduce at
only twelve months. They are one of the few species that has a
monogamous partner (Scheibe, 1999).
· The fawns have
about a 50 percent chance of survival (MacDonald, 1985).
· The dik-dik is a
very shy animal, and spends most of its time hiding from predators
in the shrub. However, when startled, it takes off in a series
of zig-zag jumps (Scheibe, 1999).
· The name “dik-dik”
came from a warning noise “zik-zik” noise that the females make.
Both the males and females will produce a whistling noise as well if
they sense danger (Sheibe, 1999). This whistling noise is a
result of expelling air through the nose and extending their
proboscis forward. To make the call louder, the dik-dik will
aim the proboscis downward (Kingswood & Kumamoto, 1997).
· Dik-Diks have many
predators, including humans. In many areas, they are hunted
because their skin can be used in the production of gloves.
One hind= one glove (Scheibe, 1999).
· When observing the
skull, the nasal is smaller than other mammals but the nasal chamber
is larger for the proboscis. The roof of the nasal cavity is
surrounded by cartilage, which allows more flexibility (Kingswood &
Kumamoto, 1997).
· Adaptations to
hot, dry environments have helped the dik-dik survive in the extreme
climate of Africa. Panting is a form of evaporative cooling,
and it is favored over sweating. It cools the brain tissue,
which is very important because this tissue is vulnerable to heat
(Kingswood & Kumamoto).
· They eat flowers,
shrubs, leaves, shoot, fruit, grasses, and twigs (Kingswood &
Kumamoto).
· The territories
are claimed by scent marking. Both the male and female participate,
however, the males play the lead role. These territories
contain a combination of open areas for feeding, and brush for
hiding when danger is sensed (Kingswood & Kumamoto, 1997).
· Males defend their
territory through aggression, which can often start at the age of 6
months. They may use threat displays such as posture, horn
presentation, head ducking and scent marking. The males may
also resort to fighting over territory (Kingswood & Kumamoto, 1997).
· Other animals that
are monogamous that are similar to the dik-dik include wolves, bald
eagles and penguins.