Interactions
Dik-diks are herbivores who find food by
browsing. Dik-diks are only about a foot tall, so all of
their food must be fairly close to the ground. Dik-diks have a
commensalism relationship with many large animals whose
activities help them by keeping food low to the ground. Dik-diks
are benefitted by elephants (Loxodonta
africana) and giraffes (Giraffa
camelopardolls) when they break and drop branches and
trees because dik-diks are then able to reach the dropped
plants. Some other larger antelopes also benefit dik-diks when
they browse their food because it keeps the plants within the
reach of dik-diks, Dik-diks have been known to scrounge for food
with domestic goats (Capra
hircus ), this gives dik-diks protection against
predators (Kingswood & Kumamoto, 1997)._pel_hu%20dikdik.jpg)
Although dik-diks have a “least concern” status of endangerment
by the
African Wildlife Foundation, they still have many predators
(Dik-Dik, 2013). Some of the predators include: cheetahs (Acinonyx
jubatus), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta),
silver backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), lions (Panthera
leo), leopards (Panthera
pardus),
eagles, and the list continues. A
very small species in Africa being hunted by lions and cheetahs
creates for a problem if they have no chanceof escaping.
Though all of these animals prey on the dik-dik, humans
are their biggest threat. Their hide is often used to make suede
for gloves, and small bones are taken from their feet and legs
in order to make rings and other jewelry. There are many
different sites in which you can find information for going on
hunting safaris for the dik-dik. Dik-diks are also able to be
purchased as
pets and raised in a home; if bottle fed, they can become
fairly tame, but they are still a wild animal by nature
(Kingswood & Kumamoto, 1997).
Generally they are shy animals; they prefer to stay hidden in
the brush. They are nocturnal, so they tend to stay covered
during the day and are very active at night. However, if
they sense danger or are startled, they will run in a pattern of
zig-zag leaps making it harder for the predator to chase after
them (Sheibe, 1999). This is very effective against cheetahs.
They can also make a
warning
call to others if there is danger. 
The females will produce a “zik-zik” or “dik-dik” noise, and
both the males and females can produce a whistling noise that
will also alert others if a predator is near. Another
adaptation that increases their chances of survival against
other animals is the fact that they have great eyesight.
Just from looking at a dik-dik, one would notice that the eyes
are very large compared to the entire head. The last
adaptation that they have to avoid attack is that they are very
fast runners. Dik-diks have the ability to reach up speeds
up to 42 kilometers or 26 miles per hour (Kingswood & Kumamoto, 1997).
Dik-diks don’t have many competitors, but one possible competitor
is the klipspringers (Oreotragus ) who would compete
for food with the dik-dik during the dry season. Dik-diks are hosts to
multiple organisms, a couple of endoparasites include: the
nematodeodImpalaia tubelculataa, ti, Amblyomma variegatumt, louse,
Damalinia Victoriar,
cestode,
and the Taenia madoquaeua (Kingswood & Kumamoto,
1997). They also host some ectoparasites including: fleas (Ctenocephalides
felis),
ticks, and
lice.
Click here if you are interested in becoming more aware and/or donate money to help protect the dik-diks from animals and humans.