Kirk's dik-dik

Kirk’s dik-diks grow to a maximum size of just 40cm, making them one of the smallest species of antelope in the world.

The species takes its name from Sir John Kirk, a 19th century Scottish naturalist, as well as the sound it makes when fleeing from danger. As they make the distinctive ‘dik-dik’ call they make when startled – they jump from their hiding place and move in a series of zig-zag leaps to confuse predators.

Kirk’s dik-diks are native to northeast Africa and conservationists say they mark their territory with fluid from glands between their toes and just under their eyes, not dissimilar to tears.