Did You Know There Are Miniature Antelopes Called Dik Dik?

• 1

  Dik-diks get their name from their alarm call.

  

  When frightened, they run in a zig-zag pattern at speeds up to 26mph and whistle through their noses, producing a sound similar to "dik-dik." The warning doesn't just protect other dik-diks—italerts larger animals of danger, too. Incidentally, the dik-dik's scientific name, Madoqua kirkii, is much less fun to say.

  Via Mental Floss
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• 2

  Dik-diks are probably smaller than your dog.

  

  These little ungulates live in Eastern and Southern Africa, but they'd be the perfect New York City apartment pet. Fully grown, they reach 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 7 to 15 pounds.

  Via The Meta Picture
• 3

  Still, they're not the tiniest antelope species

  

  That honor goes to the rabbit-sized West African royal antelope, which weighs under 10 pounds and stands 10 to 12 inches high as an adult. Awww!

  Via Mental Floss
• 4

  Dik-diks live in pairs, not herds.

  

  Most antelope live in herds, because there's strength in numbers. Not so with dik-diks. Once they find that special someone, they spend the rest of their days as a couple—usually about four years in the wild. Dik-diks mate for life. They kick their offspring out of the territory when they reach adult size at seven months old, which usually coincides with mom's next pregnancy. Mothers run off female offspring, and fathers run off sons.

  Via Mental Floss
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• 5

  Dik-diks mark their territory with tears.

  

  Well, preorbital glandular fluid, to be exact. It comes from the black spot in the corner of their eyes. Dik-diks bury their heads in grass, poking their eyes with it to spread the sticky secretion. They also use their urine and feces to make a place smell like home.

  Via Mental Floss

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