Dik-dik is considerably smaller in size than other African antelope species. The height of a dik-dik is 50-70 cm and the weight is 3-6 kg. A dik-dik can live approximately 10 years. As mentioned earlier, dik-diks are named for the females’ alarm calls. Dik-diks whistle through their long and tubular snouts to alert others about predators.
There are some important differences between a male and a female dik-dik. Male dik-diks have a small horn that is slanted backward. The horns of the males can grow up to 7.6 cm. Their crown-like hairs partially hide their horns. Dik-diks’ upper-body color is grayish-brown and the lower portion of their body is yellowish-brown. They have a special gland called the “preorbital gland” inside the corner of each eye. The secretion of this gland helps them to mark their territories.
Dik-dik has a special adaptation to control its body temperature in extreme weather conditions.
The Damara Dik-Dik browses mainly leaves, but also feeds on herbs, flowers, and pods.
Females give birth to one fawn each year during the rainy season. Gestation period is between is 166-172 days.
Pairs bond for life and males are dominant. Males do not help with the rearing of young and cover the female’s scent markings with their own to maintain the pair bond.
An inhabitant of dense shrub and thicket with closed canopy cover, which provide shade and protection from predators. Rocky areas with little grass are also frequented.
The Damara Dik-Dik is distributed through south western Angola, central and north western Namibia. The dik-dik is a rare and therefore protected species.
