Dik-dik

species of mammal

A dik-dik is a small antelope in the genus Madoqua that lives in the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa.

Dik-dik[1]
A male Kirk's dik-dik at Etosha National Park, Namibia
Female mate of the male dik-dik in the above picture
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Madoqua
(Ogilby, 1837)
Species

Dik-diks stand about 30–40 cm (12–16 in) at the shoulder, are 50–70 cm (20–28 in) long, weigh 3–6 kg (7–16 lb) and can live for up to 10 years.

Dik-diks are named after the alarm calls of the females. In addition to the females' alarm call, both males and females make a shrill, whistling sound. These calls may alert other animals to predators. The dik-dik is a favourite prey of the cheetah.

There are four species:

  • Günther's dik-dik Madoqua guentheri
  • Kirk's dik-dik Madoqua kirkii
  • Silver dik-dik Madoqua piacentinii
  • Salt's dik-dik Madoqua saltiana

References change

  1. Grubb, P. (2005). "Genus Madoqua". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 683–684. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.