Meet the Dik-dik, an adorable antelope from eastern and southern Africa. This miniature mammal stands 12-16 inches tall and weighs 7-15 pounds. |
Source of their name |
They get their name from the nose whistle sound they make when they feel threatened. It sounds like a dik-dik or tzik-tzik sound. You can hear the sound in the video below. |
Whistle with a purpose |
The “dik-dik” sound comes from their nose. When danger is sensed, the female Dik-dik makes this noise to warn other game species of impending danger so they know to make a run for it. |
Compact but not the smallest antelope |
Source |
The smallest antelope is the West African Royal Antelope, which weighs less than 10 pounds and stands at 10-12 inches tall, about the size of a rabbit. |
Trail of tears |
Source |
Dik-diks use tears to mark their territory. They poke their eyes with grass or twigs so that a special fluid that comes from the black spot in the corner of their eyes runs. |
They don’t need much water |
A Dik-dik’s diet is herbivorous and consists mainly of leaves, shoot, and berries. They don’t like grass and get enough water from their diet. In order not to hydrate from the hot African sun Dik-diks sleep in the shade during the heat of the day. |
Highly sophisticated noses |
Dik-diks have very strong noses and they are prehensile, meaning they’re capable of grasping things tightly. They also have a special skill: they pant to pump blood through their noses, which cools the blood, and the blood goes right back into the body, refreshed and ready to go. |
They mate for life |
Source |
Unlike the rest of the animal kingdom, Dik-diks are monogamous. They don’t live in a herd and choose to live in pairs for life. |
Dedicated to one baby |
Source |
Dik-diks have one baby at a time. Mothers conceal their young after birth and young Dik-diks stay with their mothers for seven months, until they are fully grown. |
They can run like the wind |
Due to their diminutive size, Dik-diks have many predators and have adapted by developing fast running speeds in order to survive. Their little legs can help them run as much as 42 miles per hour. |
Source |
H/T: distractify.com |
This Month's Best Animal Photos!
From powerful tigers to adorable little fur balls, this photo series has it all!
Hilarious: Cats are Some of the Funniest Creatures
Prepare for a foray into the delightful absurdity of living with cats.
Let's Take a Walk in the World of Squirrels
Lets have a look at these cute little guys, and how they live
Don't Be So Shy... - Adorable!
We don't know what happened, but all of these animals are incredibly shy. None of them will look us in the eye!
Think You Know Cute? You've Never Met a Tarsier Primate!
This tiny primate will make itself room in your heart. A beautiful and adorable animal very few have heard about.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
Are These the Coolest 70 Year Olds Ever?
These women have made their livelihoods by hunting sea snakes on the coast of their island.
Mimicry: The Most Fascinating of Animal Weapons
By far the coolest skill is the ability of some animals to mimic - down to the smallest detail - its surroundings, as well as other animals
What Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You? Cat Sounds Explained
Cats are extremely intelligent pets and the sounds they make are their way of communicating, even if we don't always understand what they mean
It's Feeding Time for Big Cats, See it Close and Personal!
If you love big cats, this video will melt your heart as we go in close and personal during feeding time.
Marvel at 14 of the Tallest Mountains in the World
There are fourteen mountains in the world that stand over 8000 meters (26,250 feet) tall. Known collectively as the 8000ers, these skyscraping peaks are very literally the top of the world.
14 Signs Your Cat Sees You as Their Real Parent
Watch for these behaviors to understand just how much you mean to your cat, less an owner and more as a parent.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
You Have to See These 18 Hybrid Animals to Believe Them
I'd never even heard of a liger, a zonkey or a beefalo. But these pictures go to show that they actually exist - in real life!
Seeing These Pretty Flowers Will Put a Smile on Your Face
These flowers as so pretty it hurts. Just viewing them will put a smile on your face and brighten up the rest of your day.
Beware of These 15 Animals, They’re the DEADLIEST on Earth
Of all the animals you can meet on our blue planet, these 15 are among the most dangerous and potentially deadly ones...
Ever Wondered How Sperm Whales Sleep? Wonder No More!
Have you ever wondered how sperm whales sleep before? Wonder no more, because the phenomenon has finally been captured on camera. Take a look.
In Pictures - International Garden Photographer of the Year
Take a look at the stunning nature photographs from the International Garden Photographer of the Year.
These Animals Are All Black & Beautiful Thanks to Melanism
Melanism is a genetic mutation that results in beautiful black animals, which stand out from their species counterparts. Here are 15 melanistic animals.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory
Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.
Animals Don't Need the Word Love. They Use It All the Time.
The Animals Fell In Love Today...
Houdini Is Back, And He's a Honey Badger Now...
An amazing video that every animal-lover should see.
Llamas Can Be Both Mean and Hilarious!
Llamas are some of the most hilarious animals on our planet. Watch this compilation video to find out why!
This Awesome Plant Can Live For More Than 300 Years!
The compass plant can live for over 300 years!
Is Your Dog a Genius? Find Out Now with These 12 Signs!
Ever thought that your dog's a genius? Now You can check with these 12 signs of developed intelligence!
2023 Nature TTL Photographer of the Year: 16 Winning Pics
Check out the stunning winners from the Nature TTL Photographer of the Year contest.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
Witness the Raw Beauty of Nature in These Incredible Pics
Check out some of the best winning images from the 2020 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.
The Oldest Cat in the World Lived Nearly 40 Years!
These creatures and organisms from all around the world are the oldest of their kind, and may even be the oldest living things on Earth!
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
Answered in Less Than 5 Minutes - How Sinkholes Form
Many sinkholes appear due to construction and mining works. So how do they form? Should you be concerned?
The Glass Butterfly: One of Nature's Most Beautiful Creatures
The 'Great Oto' butterfly is nicknamed the 'glass butterfly' and it's easy to see why. It may just be the most beautiful butterfly of all.
Better Together: Animals Who Collaborate in the Wild
These pairs of animals of different species have amazing ways of helping each other in the wild.
Unbelievable! I Have Never Seen Animals Act Like This!
When you're out in the wilderness or outdoors, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and crazy things can happen. If you're lucky, like these guys, you might get to catch those things on camera!
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
Learn How Wolves Evolved Into Domestic Dogs
Ever wondered how wolves ended up evolving into the dogs that we all know and love? Find out how it happened in this article.
These Magnificent Cherry Blossoms Will Take Your Breath Away
Cherry blossoms are beautiful flowers associated with Japan and springtime. Discover the other parts of the world lined with these exquisite flowering cherry trees.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
West Canada is Wild, Strong and Ever So Pretty
The wilds of West Canada are some of the most jaw dropping natural scenes in all the world we live on.
These 20 Cute Bonsai Are a Cut Above the Average Tree
Trust the Japanese to have the most beautiful miniature trees in the world. These 20 bonsai's are so fabulous!
Hilarious! Nobody Tells Mother Nature What to Do!
Here are 18 ironic photos that prove that nature doesn't care about what people want!
These Animal Facts Are Both Adorable and Interesting
Twenty fascinating animal facts that we bet you never knew about!
This is What Pure Love Looks Like in the Animal Kingdom
This heart-warming photo series proves that the love between a parent and child is universal.
Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hope of seeing more beautiful butterflies.