Reproduction

The dik-dik is one of the rarea and unique mammal species to bond in monogamous pairs; only 3% of all species do this (Kranz, 1991). The monogamous pairs mate only with each other and raise their offspring together. Interested in the monogomy of the dik-dik? Click here to learn more. In dik-diks, sexual maturity is reached at approximately six months old, and they are fully grown after just a little over a year weighing in at 3.7-5.5 kg. The dik-dik lifespan is approximately three to eight years of age. The young dik-diks usually stay with their parents for eight to ten months after they are born, or until their mother gives birth to the new offspring (Moloiy et al., 1988).

 

 

                                                                                   Figure 1. Female Madoqua kirkii
The female dik-diks have a polyestrous reproductive cycle, and their breeding is at its peak between June and July, and also November to December. The gestation period of the female Dik-diks is right around 170 to 174 days, which is roughly a little over 5.5 months. Many times the dik-diks will produce two offspring a year, with an average of ten days between giving birth and becoming pregnant for the second time that year (Moloiy et al., 1988).
                                                                                        Figure 2. Family of dik-diks
The high quality diet that the dik-dik consumes is maintained throughout the entire year, which makes it possible for the females to have a high state of production consistently over the entire year. This means that the females can birth their offspring and then continue to lactate through her next pregnancy. This suggests that even though the seasons in their environment are very diverse, the food that they consume is consistent throughout the year (Moloiy et al., 1988).

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