IUCN Status: Least concern
Madoqua Kirkii
The species takes its name from Sir John Kirk, a 19th century Scottish naturalist, as well as the sound it makes when fleeing from danger. As they make the distinctive ‘dik-dik’ call they make when startled - they jump from their hiding place and move in a series of zig-zag leaps to confuse predators.
They grow to a maximum size of 40cm, making them one of the smallest species of antelope in the world.
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Lifespan: 5-18 years
Weight: Up to 9kg
Height: 40cm
Length: 63cm
Diet: Herbivore
Did you know?: They mark their territory with fluid from glands between their toes and just under their eyes, not dissimilar to tears.
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Conservation
There are no major threats to Kirk’s dik-dik at present, but in some areas they have been affected by habitat loss and a high level of hunting. However, because they are able to live in scrubland and areas that have been heavily grazed, they are able to cope with changes to their habitat caused by a growing human population.
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