Damara Dik-Dik

Name

Damara Dik Dik [Madoqua kirki]

Appearance

Damara Dik-Dik males are smaller and lighter than the females. The two sexes are respectively 386 mm by 5.1 kg and 394 mm by 5.6 kg. Only the rams have horns which can attain a length of 80 mm.

Diet

The Damara Dik-Dik browses mainly leaves, but also feeds on herbs, flowers and pods.

Breeding

Females give birth to one fawn each year during the rainy season. Gestation period is between is 166-172 days.

Behaviour

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 in order to maintain the pair bond.

Where they are found

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.

Kruger National Park - South African Safari