See text A dik-dik is the name for any of four species of small antelope in the genus Madoqua, which live in the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa.

[1] Dik-diks stand about 30–40 centimetres (12–15.5 in) at the shoulder, are 50–70 cm (19.5–27.5 in) long, weigh 3–6 kilograms (6.6–13.2 lb) and can live for up to 10 years.

The hair on the crown forms an upright tuft that sometimes partially conceals the short, ribbed horns of the male.

A bare black spot below the inside corner of each eye contains a preorbital gland that produces a dark, sticky secretion.

[6] However, dik-diks have a lower metabolic rate than would be predicted for their size as a physiological adaptation to heat and aridity.

Dik-diks may live in places as varied as dense forest or open plain, but they require good cover and not too much tall grass.

When they occur, the males from each territory dash at each other, either stop short or make head-to-head contact, then back off for another round, with head crests erected.

The young stay concealed for a time after birth, but grow quickly and reach full size by seven months.

Other predators include monitor lizards, cheetahs, jackals, baboons, eagles, hawks and pythons.

Dik-diks' adaptations to predation include excellent eyesight, the ability to reach speeds up to 42 km/h (26 mph), and high birth rates.