Physical Characteristics
Dik diks are tiny antelopes which exhibit different color shades depending on habitat. In the drier semi desert areas they usually have paler color. Dik diks have large dark eyes surrounded by a white coloration with a black spot below the inside corner of each eye contains a pre-orbital gland that produces a dark sticky secretion. Dik Dik's insert grass stems and twigs into the gland to scent-mark their territories.

To prevent overheating while minimizing need for water, the DikDik has evolved a particular cooling mechanism. Their elongated snouts have bellows-like muscles by which blood is pumped. Airflow and subsequent evaporation cools this blood before it is re-circulated to the body. However, this panting is only implemented in extreme conditions—Dik Diks can tolerate temperatures of up to 104° Fahrenheit.

Habitat
Dik Diks live in a variety of habitats with good cover and plenty of shrubs and twigs to browse, but without tall herbage. They move to different grass ranges when grasses grow too high to obstruct their view.

Habits and Behavior
Dik Diks live in monogamous pairs in fixed territories of low bush along dry, rocky stream beds. They mark their territory with dung deposits and with secretions from the pre-orbital gland.

Dik Diks are very alert and they have a well developed sense of sight, scent and hearing. They respond to the alarm calls of other animals and when in danger they tend to hide instead of flee.

The females give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of 6 months. Both parents care for the young, who often stays with them until the mother’s next birth. At this point, the parents will chase off the sub adult.

Diet
Dik Diks eat foliage, shoots, fruit and berries. They are water-independent, getting water from the vegetation they eat. Appropriately, they are largely nocturnal, avoiding the heat of the day and unnecessary water loss.

Predators and Threats
Dik Diks have long been hunted by people by setting snares along their pathways. The small bones from the Dik Dik's legs and feet are usually used for making traditional jewelry. Their skin is used to make suede for gloves.

Thought You Should Know

• When frightened or disturbed, the DikDik produces a whistling sound through the nose that sounds like "zik-zik," from which its name is probably derived.

• Salt is important to the Dik Dik's diet, but it does not need to drink as sufficient liquid is contained in the plants it consumes.