D is for Dik-Dik
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The tiny antelope known as Kirk’s Dik-Dik lives in the grasslands of eastern and southwestern Africa, feeding on green leaves, sweet fruit and tubers.
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These animals take what moisture they need from their food and can go long periods without drinking additional water.
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Mating pairs bond for life, spending most of their time together.
Each pair guards it’s own territory, although conflict is rare as Dik-Diks respect boundaries and seldom encroach on one another’s spaces.
Mating pairs bond for life, spending most of their time together.
Each pair guards it’s own territory, although conflict is rare as Dik-Diks respect boundaries and seldom encroach on one another’s spaces.
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We saw few of these dwarf
antelope in our travels...
elusive creatures, they seek
the shelter of low bushes,
where hanging fruit
nourishes them and cover
protects them from
the many predators
that surround them.
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Not the least of these predators has been man himself over the years. Called Dik-Diks because they emit a shrill warning signal that sounds like their name, they alert all nearby that danger is close at hand. This has led hunters to kill them off in great numbers to prevent them from scaring away the coveted big game animals.
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Beautiful and shy, our view of these beauties was usually their back end as they sidled out of sight and returned to their cover of shrubbery.
For more A - Z posts, be sure to pop by Arlee Bird's site and see what others have done with the letter D...
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html
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http://www.tossingitout.blogspot.com/2011/01/very-special-and-exciting-announcement.html
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13 comments:
Wonderful photo's, a joy to see :o)
What beautiful and graceful little animals!
OMW, Lynette, I posted a photo of Kirk's Dik-Dik only yesterday. I also only ever seen them disappearing into the bush but this weekend I managed to photograph these dainty little deer. I scrolled down and read your Cheetah posts as well. Even though I've seen this animal in the wilds before, I hope to encounter him soon here in East Africa. Have a great day, my friend. Jo
Aww very sweet, looks like it may be a cousin of the duiker. Jack also says, 'Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Doolin adventure'
The look like such sweet creatures. Great images.
This antelope is so beautiful and elegant creature!
I love your African series:)
They are sleek and beautiful creatures! Wonderful photos; Thanks for sharing this world with us. I wish to go, maybe someday, till now I can enjoy your pics and words! Thank you~
Good evening, Lynette,
These guys look like they would be f.a.s.t.
Have a nice evening. ~Natalie
They're very elusive at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, too, but I did see pictures of them on the signs! They have lovely big eyes. You certainly did see a plethora of different animals there in Kenya, Lynette. Great shots, as always!
Lovely photos. I've never seen one of these shy creatures with the amazing eyes. Thanks for visiting my blog Up on Haliburton Hill.
lovely pics. I'm calling in from the A-Z
I've heard of these animals but never seen then. But then, I don't live in Africa or near a zoo so it's not surprising. :)
Lovely photos. I love these animals, but I've never heard of them. I'm an animal lover, so now I'm in love with these PRECIOUS and oh so cute creatures. Thank you for teaching me about them. :-)
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