This animal lives at Colchester Zoo in Essex.
Kirk's dik-dik is a small antelope, one of four species of dik-dik antelope. It is believed to have six subspecies and possibly a seventh existing in southwest Africa. They are one of the world's smallest antelopes, standing 12 to 16 in. (305 to 405 mm) at the shoulder with a length of 20 to 26 in. (510 to 660 mm). They weigh 6 to 13 lb. (2.75 to 5.9 kg).
These dainty creatures have a pointed snout, which is also an evolved cooling mechanism that stops them from overheating, even in extreme temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F). This also helps minimize their need for water. They have large eyes and ears, and a vestigial tail. Their hare like hind legs are larger than their fore legs. Their coats, depending upon their habitat, range from grey to grey-brown with tan flanks and legs. The coat aids in camouflaging the animal. They also have whitish eye rings, ear lining, underparts, and rump. Only males have horns, which may be straight or curved backwards. Females are larger and lack horns, while males sport a more developed muzzle and tend to be lighter in colour.
Kirk's dik-diks are found in eastern and southwestern African countries of Angola, Kenya, Namibia, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. These antelopes inhabit savanna areas and prefer habitats with good cover but lacking tall vegetation. Ideal habitats contain a variety of browse, extensive shade, and grasses at their eye level. As a result, they move to different ranges when grass grows too high and obstructs their view.
Kirk's dik-diks are social creatures and live in pairs. In good conditions, a pair may reside within the same territory for life. Males are the main defenders of territories, as females are unable to maintain territories themselves. Dik-diks are nocturnal, and during the daytime seek shade to rest during the hottest parts of the day to help avoid the loss of valuable fluids. Dik-diks have excellent senses of hearing, sight, and smell. When they feel in danger or hear the alarm calls of other animals, they prefer to hide, rather than flee. The name of these antelopes is derived from their call. When they feel threatened, dik-diks lie low to prevent detection. If they are discovered, they run, at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h), in a swift, zig-zag- pattern until they reach refuge in a nearby thicket. During this ‘flight’, they emit a 'dik-dik' calls to raise an alarm or to harass predators. Dik-diks are susceptible to a myriad of predators including eagles, wildcats, jackals, caracals, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, Cape wild dogs, honey badgers, crocodiles, pythons, lions, monitors, and humans.
Kirk's dik-diks are herbivores, their diets consisting mainly of foliage, fruits, shoots, and berries. Due to their adaptations, dik-diks can stay without water for long periods of time, they rely on vegetation as a source of water.
Kirk's dik-diks are monogamous and pairs mate for life. Breeding can take place twice per year. Females give birth to one calf after the gestation period of 5-6 months. Most births occur between November and December and April through May. After birth, the calf lies concealed away from its mother for 2 to 3 weeks. The mother will nurse her offspring within 6 weeks. At around 7 months after birth, when another calf is born the parents chase the older sibling out of their territory. It's the time when the older calf must seek out its own territory and mate. The lifespan of Kirk's dik-dik in the wild is typically 5 years, but may surpass 10 years. In captivity, males have been known to live up to 16.5 years, while females have lived up to 18.4 years.
There are no major threats to Kirk's dik-diks at present. However, these antelopes are sometimes hunted for their hides and bones, often using snares. The bones from their legs and feet are used in traditional jewellery, while their hides are fashioned into suede gloves, one being equivalent to one glove.
According to the IUCN, the total population of Kirk's dik-diks is around 971,000 individuals. Currently, this species conservation status is classified as 'Least Concern' and its numbers today are stable.
