African Kirk Dik-dik

Kirk Dik-dik

(Madoqua kirki kirki)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 12 12/16 - Tanzania, Fort Ikoma - 2/95
Rowland Ward: Score 4 1/2 - Selous, Tanzania - 1995

Description: The coat is an overall grizzled grey-brown to reddish brown, while the head and legs are tawny in colour. The undersides, including the insides of the legs and bottom of the chin, are white. Around the large eye is a bright ring of white hair. One of the most humorous features of this small antelope is the elongated, prehensile nose. Only males bear the corrugated horns, which may grow up to 11.4 cm / 4.5 inches long. These may be slightly hidden by the erectile forelock.

Other Common Names: Digidigi (Swahili)

Size: 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder, 6 to 13 pounds

Range: Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania; primarily July - March.

Natural History: Kirk's dik-dik is primarily active in the morning and late afternoon, although some activity may continue throughout the night. Mated pairs defend a territory 12.5-75 acres in size, and if no unexpected unfavorable conditions arise, this pair may occupy the same territory for life. Definite trails run through the thick cover, which are used with some regularity. Along the boundaries of the territory, and other places important to the animals, they deposit dung heaps approximately 30 cm / 12 inches in diameter. Both sexes mark the range of their territory with secretions from their preorbital glands, although this is done much more frequently by males. Despite joint marking, only the male defends the family range, chasing away any intruders of the same species, including other females. When startled dik-diks make quick zigzag leaps, dashing for cover while making a call that resembles "zik-zik" or "dik-dik" (see opening notes). Population density in the Serengeti is about 24 animals per square kilometer.

Hunting Characteristics: