Average Mass: |
Track: 32mm (1 3/4 ") x 19mm (3/4") |
Present only in East Africa , the Salt’s dik-dik occurs in Djibouti , Eritrea , Ethiopia , Kenya , Somalia and Sudan (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; East, 1996). Its distribution map was first obtained from Yalden (1978) and then updated on the basis of the country maps in East (1988). Dr. R. East revised it ( 23 June ‘97 ) Categorical-discrete (CD) distribution model The species inhabits semi-desert vegetation and arid thornbush (East, 1988; Kingdon, 1997; Funaioli, 1971).
"Dik-dik" is the eastern African word for the animal, probably derived from the sound it makes. Description: One distinctive feature of this antelope is that the hind legs are considerably longer than the front legs. The neck and back are usually gray, and the flanks tend to reddish (the extent of this reddish color varies considerably over the geographic range of the species). On the forehead a tuft of erect hairs forms a crest, which partly covers the small two-inch horns. Each eye is surrounded by a conspicuous white ring, and in front of this there is a hairless glandular area. Length of head and body is over two feet, with a shoulder height of 13 inches. It weighs up to ten pounds.
Behavior: This dik-dik is active at night or at dusk, and is very shy, fleeing at the slightest sign of danger. It is solitary and lives in well-defined small territories. It feeds on leaves and shoots, particularly those of acacia trees. The sound it emits resembles that of a bird. It is difficult to observe this animal, even where numerous.
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