Dik-Diks - Social Organization

Social organization

A male and a female dik-dik form a permanent pair bond and together they occupy a territory 12-75 acres (5-30 ha) in size. The female is slightly larger than the male, which reflects her greater role in caring for her offspring. Dik-diks give birth twice a year (coinciding with the rainy seasons) to one offspring at a time. For the first few weeks after its birth, the young dik-dik lies hidden in the bush. Its mother makes contact by bleating sounds which are answered by the offspring.

Like other dwarf antelopes, dik-diks have efficient scent glands that are used to mark their territory. These glands are located in the front part of the eyes (suborbital glands) and on their hooves. Dik-diks are therefore able to mark both the ground and bushes of their territory with their scents.