The smallest antelope that can fit in the palm of your hand (17 photos)
The smallest antelope in the world lives in Kenya and is called dik-dik. The animals were given this name because of the specific sound they make when they sense danger. “Dik-dik,” the antelopes shout and run away.
Some individuals of these antelopes can easily fit in the palm of an adult man.
They are difficult to find in the wild precisely because of their timidity, but photographers managed to get closer to the babies and photograph their everyday life.
What interesting facts can you tell about these miniature beauties?
1. Dik-diks are very faithful animals, they find a mate and live with her all their lives.
2. They are very difficult to see because they blend in perfectly with their surroundings and are very nimble.
3. They are so small that they can even hide in the grass.
4. Dik-diks live only in African countries.
5. The body length of a mini antelope is a maximum of 80 cm, and its height is 35 cm.
6. An interesting difference between dik-diks is their funny face with a nose that consists of two proboscis.
7. Only males have horns, females have a funny crest.
8. Most often, antelopes that have already found a mate move together, with the male protecting and guarding the female.
9. Each family has its own territory - about 100 meters in diameter or more. Interestingly, they mark the border with piles of dung and quite aggressively drive away strangers.
10. Females can give birth once every two years. A young antelope is considered an adult at 1 year of age and is driven from the territory so that it can begin an independent life.
11. But the “kids” try not to go far, but to settle next to their parents.
12. Antelopes eat stems, leaves, flowers, pods and seeds of protein-rich shrubs and trees, and obtain water from plants and dew.
13. The best territory for their life is dense bushes so that predators do not notice the antelopes. Among the thickets, they make tunnel paths for themselves, into which only they can squeeze.
14. Antelopes run very fast and have instant reactions. The speed can reach up to 42 km per hour!
So, what do you think of these nimble kids?
