{"id":1603,"date":"2022-02-25T15:55:41","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T15:55:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interestinganimalfacts.com\/?p=1603"},"modified":"2023-05-26T07:29:00","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T07:29:00","slug":"interesting-animal-facts-about-dik-diks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interestinganimalfacts.com\/interesting-animal-facts-about-dik-diks\/","title":{"rendered":"Dik Dik Animal – Interesting Facts About The Smallest African Antelope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you know what a Dik Diks <\/strong>is? Perhaps you have never heard of them and are intrigued? Or maybe you are looking to brush up on your pub quiz knowledge? Whatever your reason is, we have the answer for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the Western world, African Dik Diks<\/strong> are a bit of a mystery. These animals aren\u2019t something that we see everyday, and often we find ourselves wondering more about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We wonder about their habitat<\/strong>, lifespan<\/strong>, diet<\/strong>, and if there is anything unique or interesting about them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter what we do, we just can\u2019t seem to find the answers that we need. Well, no more! Today, we are here with everything you need to know about them<\/strong>! Keep reading to learn what they are and to read a whole host of interesting facts about them! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dik-Dik (Common Name – Madoqua) <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Dik Dik animal , <\/strong>also known as Madoqua, <\/strong>is a type of small antelope found in Eastern and Southern Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is said that they get their name from their whistling sound. <\/strong>A dik-dik makes an alarm call by whistling through its nose when it is alarmed. When the call is made, it sounds like “dik dik.” This shrill sound informs other dik-diks and larger animals that danger is nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first record of this specie was created in 1668 by Sir Walter Raleigh during his expedition to Cape Town, South Africa.  During that time he saw what looked like sheep but were small and had no antlers. He called them \u201cDikkies\u201d. In 1883 the genus name Capra was given to these animals as they closely resemble sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A true caprine species, the goat-like appearance caused some controversy at this time because it was thought that caprins could not interbreed with wild goats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Appearance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In fact, they’re some of the smallest antelopes <\/strong>you’ll ever see. In terms of size, they are no larger than hares<\/strong>. As small animals, dik-diks often have many predators, which is why they are cautious and skittish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be spotted by the spots on their back, which may change color seasonally. The male has a wide forehead and is horned while the female is without horns and has dark brownish fur with white markings on her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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They have a distinguishing feature – elongated snouts<\/strong> with bellows-like muscles that pump blood through them to prevent overheating. This blood is cooled by airflow and evaporation before it is recirculated. dik-diks, however, can tolerate temperatures of up to 40 \u00b0C (104 \u00b0F) without panting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dik Dik Species<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are four species of dik-dik:<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n