Damara Dik-Dik Hunting in Africa

The Damara dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) is a popular member of the Tiny 10 and is often targeted on a game hunting safari in Namibia. Also known as Kirk’s dik-dik, these small antelopes are found in two African regions. Firstly, they inhabit East Africa, from southern Somalia to central Tanzania and they are also found in southern Africa from northern Namibia and parts of southwestern Angola. They are a protected species but can be hunted with a special permit when game hunting in Namibia.

This antelope is extremely shy and cautious. They prefer habitats of dense thickets and shrubs that provide closed canopy cover and even rocky areas with little grass coverage. The Damara dik-dik’s choice of habitat not only allows them shade and protection from the weather but also provides areas in which to hide from predators. They are very wary and will dive for cover at the first sign of perceived danger or threats.

Damara dik-diks are nocturnal herbivores and forage for food at night. They survive on leaves, berries, fruit, herbs, shoots, and succulent plants that are water-rich. They are quite adaptable in terms of habitat as they live in the shrublands and savannas and can survive in many conditions, provided that there is lots of cover and edible plants and fruits to eat. They are water-independent, as their food intake provides sufficient moisture and this allows them to live in small territories that remain constant and stable. This in turn gives them a great advantage over any predators, as they know their territories well and can run up to 26 miles per hour to escape them. 

Damara dik-diks are monogamous and live in pairs. The gestation period is 5-6 months, resulting in the female being able to produce twice a year. One offspring is born weighing 1.1-1.8 pounds and it remains hidden for the first 2-3 weeks of its life.

As a member of Africa’s Tiny Ten, the Damara dik-dik is a sought-after trophy for specialized Africa plains game hunting in Namibia. They fall prey to many predators such as hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, jackals, baboons, eagles, pythons, and many other members of the cat family.