The Kirk's Dik-dik

A striking feature is the greatly elongated, trunk-like nose, which helps the animals regulate their body temperature in their hot habitat. The well-perfused nasal mucous mem- branes are cooled by the airflow as the animals breathe. The cooler blood is then returned to the body, thereby lowering the body temperature.

With a head-body length of around 60 cm and a shoulder height of 40 cm, the Kirk’s dik-dik is one of the smallest antelope species. They live in pairs, and the females are slightly larger than the males. Dik-diks are perfectly adapted to dry habitats and can go for long periods without open water, as the moisture in their food is sufficient for them.