Dik-diks are named for the alarm calls of the females. In addition to the females' alarm call, both the male and female make a shrill, whistling sound. These calls may alert other animals to predators.
When dik-diks feel they’re in danger or hear the alarm calls from other animals, they hide instead of fleeing from predators. And when frightened or disturbed, they make a whistling sound through their nose that sounds like “zik-zik,” and this is probably how they got their name.
Dik-dik is the fascinating name given to a few tiny African antelope. These adorable animals have several quirky traits, from using dung as a form of defense to their charming calls.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - A tiny animal with an unusual name was born at the Little Rock Zoo. The Little Rock Zoo announced that a Kirk’s dik-dik was born at the zoo on April 29. Dik-diks are one of ...
Dik-dik, (genus Madoqua), any of four species of dwarf antelopes (tribe Neotragini, family Bovidae) that are adapted for life in the arid zones of eastern Africa.
Dik diks live in arid bush and need heavy vegetation for protection and food, but do not need much water to survive. The dik dik’s most distinguishing feature is its long and flexible snout.
Dik‑dik are native to eastern and southern Africa, inhabiting a variety of habitats including savannas, woodlands, and shrublands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover and access to water.
- The Dik Dik Is One of the Smallest Antelopes on Earth When people hear “antelope,” they picture wildebeest or impala, large herbivores thundering across the African plains. The dik dik antelope shatters that image. These tiny antelopes stand only 30 to 40 centimeters at the shoulder and weigh between 3 and 6 kilograms. For reference, that is roughly the size of a small dog. Their legs ...