The Lowdown on Duikers and Dik-diks

• The dik-dik is the smallest of African antelopes, about the size of a hare. Its back is loped because the back legs are longer than the front legs. The shoulder height measures from 14-16 inches and the weight generally ranges from 8-12 lbs. There are at least three different species in Africa, all of which are represented in Ethiopia. Several different sub-species and races have also been described.
• The duiker is somewhat larger and has a wide range in height, from 14-33 inches at the shoulder, and in weight, from 10-140 lbs. There are at least 14 different species in Africa.
• The name dik-dik comes from its alarm call, "dik-dik" or "zik-zik," as it zigzags and leaps through the bush. The name duiker is derived from the Dutch "duik," which means to dive, describing its habit of running low to the ground.
• Dik-diks are found in the arid bush country, while different species of duiker are found in a wide range of habitats, from forest to dense bush to scrub land. Only the dik-dik males have horns. Both sexes of the forest duiker (Cephalophus) have horns; generally only the male bush duiker (Sylvicapra) has horns
• Dik-diks usually feed from dawn to mid-morning and again from mid-afternoon until dark. Their main diet consists of the leaves of shrubs and trees. Almost all of their water requirements are met from dew on the vegetation and the moisture in the vegetation they consume.
• Duikers are normally active during the early morning, late evening and night. They eat leaves from bushes but also partake of flowers and fruits from larger trees, courtesy of monkeys and birds, which drop them to the ground. They will also eat insects and have been observed stalking and eating small animals such as frogs and rodents. Having a source of drinking water is not critical since they meet their needs in moisture from the vegetation they consume.
• The main predators of dik-diks and duikers are the carnivores and pythons. The diminutive dik-dik can escape predators with its ability to reach speeds of up to 25 mph. The duiker, though it cannot run as fast, at least can have its revenge on the python when it is eaten: sometimes its horns puncture the python during digestion, which kills the python, too.

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