Dwarf Antelopes - Habitat, Characteristics, Parenting
food scent digested ruminant
These small antelopes belong to the ruminant family Bovidae, and are grouped with the gazelles in the subfamily Antilopinae. The 13 species of dwarf antelopes are in the tribe Neotragini. Dwarf antelopes range from extremely small (3.3-4.4 lb or 1.5-2 kg) hare-sized royal antelopes and dik-diks to the medium-sized oribi and beira weighing from 30-50 lb (10-25 kg). Dwarf antelopes engage in territorial scent marking and possess highly developed scent glands. They are browsers, consuming a diet of young green leaves, fruit, and buds. Dwarf antelopes are also usually not dependent upon regular supplies of drinking water for their survival.
The food of the herbivorous dwarf antelope is digested by means of the four-chambered ruminant stomach. Dwarf antelopes browse or graze, consuming vegetation that is nutritionally rich. They lightly chew their food as they tear leaves from branches. After the food is swallowed, it enters the rumen of the stomach. Digestion is then aided by the process of bacteria breaking down nutrients. The food pulp is then regurgitated and chewed as cud to further break down the food before being swallowed and digested more completely.
Additional Topics
Dwarf antelopes are found in various terrains throughout the sub-Saharan regions of Africa. The klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) is found in rocky areas in eastern and southern Africa. Four species of dik-diks are found in dry bush country in the horn of Afria, that is, Somalia and Ethiopia, as is the beira antelope (Dorcatragus megalotis). Oribis (Ourebia ourebi) are found in the savanna coun…
The horns of dwarf antelopes are short, straight spikes found only in the males, although klipspringer females sometimes have horns. Colorations are usually pale, varying from yellow to gray or brown with a white rump patch, while the steenbok is brick-colored. All dwarf antelopes have well-developed scent glands, particularly preorbital glands which can be easily seen on most species as dark slit…
Dwarf antelope females give birth to one offspring at a time, coinciding with seasonal rains. The gestation period is around six months, depending on the species. Infants hide in the grass for several weeks and the mother returns to feed them twice a day. As the fawn grows, it begins to follow the mother. Young females mature by the age of 6-10 months, while males reach maturity around 14 months. …
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