Most people have never heard of a Dik Dik. It is a miniature Antelope, measures 24-29 inches long, and less than 2ft. high. A very small creature, but nimble and alert. The nose is particularly sensitive and will move back and forth if sensing a predator. They are most active a night, never have to drink, and can withstand very high temperatures. They live in monogamous pairs and participate in the dunging ceremony, where they only defecate and urinate in certain spots to designate their territory. Sensing predators, their nose moves back and forth giving off a wheezing snort as the alarm for danger. Here is one of many I photographed.
Now you want to see one of the predators of the Dik Dik, meet Mr. Jackal. Not as bad as the common belief. They mate for life, and the offspring will often stay in the same territory helping with rearing other offspring. They do prey on Dik Dik's if they catch them, but also eat everything from fruit to insects. Here is a Jackal I caught moving quickly . I didn't see that many Jackals on this trip. This is the Black Back Jackal.
Keeping with the little guys, here is one of the toughest on the plains. The Dwarf Mongoose, the smallest carnivore in Africa. At a length of 10 inches, they live in termite mounds which are everywhere. They can be seen in packs roaming along the plains hunting for insects, lizards, or small rodents and snakes. These packs can number 40 but the most I saw were 18(I counted) hunting at a time. It is funny to see them come out of the holes in a termite mound. Once you are quite, they spring out from every hole, and begin foraging on the ground. At the first notice of trouble, they scamper back in the mound. Interesting they raise their young as a group, taking care of the grooming which they do often and other caring. Here's what happens when you startle one as I did.
They are not shy or afraid to bite/attack. In spite of this snarl, they are interesting to watch, fascinating to see them at work and play.
That's it for the little guys!
Yeah, I bet that mongoose chased you up a tree where you then had the time to take a picture.
Posted by: Gary | July 07, 2011 at 08:39 PM
He certainly was not afraid of me, and he and his gang could do some serious damage with those teeth.
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