This post is all about Dik-diks.
A dik-dik, pronounced "dĭk’ dĭk", is a small antelope of the Genus Madoqua that lives in the bushes of East Africa, Angola and Namibia. Dik-diks stand 30–40 cm (approx. 12–16 inches) at the shoulder, are 50–70 cm (approx. 20-28 inches) long, weigh 3–6 kg (approx. 7-16 pounds) and can live for up to 10 years. Dik-diks are named for the alarm calls of the females, which make a dik-dik, or zik-zik sound. In addition to the female's alarm call, both the male and female make a shrill whistling sound. These calls often alert a variety of other animals to any disturbance in the area. Consequently, hunters regard dik-diks as a nuisance and have killed great numbers in the past in order to prevent them from scaring away game animals.
Female dik-diks are somewhat larger than males. The males have horns, which are small (about 3 in or 7.5 cm), slanted backwards and longitudinally grooved. The hair on the crown forms an upright tuft that sometimes partially conceals the short, ringed horns of the male. The head of the dik-dik often seems disproportionate to the animal's small body. The upper body is grey-brown, while the lower parts of the body, including the legs, belly, crest, and flanks, are tan. A black spot below the inside corner of each eye contains a preorbital gland that produces a dark sticky secretion. Dik-diks insert grass stems and twigs into the gland to scent-mark their territories.
To prevent overheating while minimizing need for water, the dik-dik has evolved a particular cooling mechanism. Their elongated snouts have bellow-like muscles by which blood is pumped. Airflow and subsequent evaporation cools this blood before it is recirculated to the body. However, this panting is only implemented in extreme conditions—dik-diks can tolerate temperatures of up to 104° Fahrenheit (40 °C).
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Topic: HEY EVERYONE! Let's all be dicks to people (Read 11923 times)