All of us have long been accustomed to, that there were dwarf dogs, cats, rabbits and even horses.However, our current heroine certainly surprise many.
smallest antelope
The fact that there are "mini-version" of the animals known to few.Royal antelope (photo you see our article) for our compatriots - an exotic curiosity.This little one is called the Royal.It is the smallest antelope in the world.It weighs about 4 kilograms, and growth does not exceed 30 cm. Her calf is born so small that it easily fits in the palm of a person.
Habitats
Where is this pipsqueak lives?To see it, you should go to the jungles of West Africa.True, not the fact that you will be able to meet her.Royal antelope - an animal at night, but also a very timid.
Lifestyle
These kids live alone, very rarely combined in pairs.They feed on fruit, berries and leaves in the underbrush.With food they usually problems do not happen.This suggests that the population is quite stable.According to recent data, there are currently 62 000 animals of this species.
Many local tribes have taken the initiative - called on the king to hunt antelope, as in many nations is the smallest antelope is a symbol of wisdom.
However, there are those who kill these defenseless animals for meat.This is the most serious risk that the baby was waiting.
Antelope dik-dik
Another little girl, living in Africa.Dik-dik - this is not the smallest antelope, but the most graceful of its representatives can easily fit on the hand of an adult male.Despite the tiny dimensions and angelic appearance, these kids are endowed with quite a martial character, and sometimes behave just defiantly.
Varieties There are four varieties of these kids.The animals live mainly in limestone and stony deserts and savannas, which are abundant thorns.
Dick Dickey mostly hidden in dense bush, they are almost impossible to meet in the open space.They are currently constructing trails, tunnels, which can pass only themselves.Animal larger sizes there simply will not fit.They are not afraid of any hyenas or leopards - no large predators.
dik-dik Although not the smallest antelope, the length of its body is only 45 cm and its height does not exceed 35 cm. They weigh only 2 kg, there are larger species, but their weight does not exceed 5 kg.
This animal is very reminiscent of a fun toy.Charming complements slender legs slender, sharp little snout, which frowns funny little nose, the proboscis.
Color
small, slender body wild wild-painted in a light gray-brown color.Legs, snout and crest - yellow-brown, and the belly - white.
this baby hits his huge beautiful eyes.They are surrounded by a white border, reminiscent of fashionable frames of glasses.
Sex differences
Females are usually larger than males, but only slightly.But the stronger sex have a 10-centimeter sharp horns.
behavior in nature
This small antelope - territorial animal.Each pair has its own plot of land, which is fiercely guarded by the male.Dimensions areas can be up to 20 hectares.Every day, its borders are patrolled by a married couple, and sometimes so watch out and Young.
By marking their territory, these antelope emits a loud, whistling, high-pitched sound like a "wild-wild."From this came the name of the animal.
Battle for territory are very rare and do not lead to tragedies.Typically, one of the "fighters" or just run away or slowly following a nasty collision removed the bushes.
In addition, this is a whistling sound an alarm when a predator nearby.Instantly small antelope out of sight among the thickets of shrubs.
For short distances dik-dik accelerates to 42 km / h.This is enough to get to the saving of the bushes.
animals are most active in the morning, evening and night, because not tolerate heat.With the onset of the rainy season, when the temperature goes down a little, they come out of hiding in the daytime.
Dick Dickey's very trusting and curious.This has long been used by local residents who hunt these kids for the sake of the skin (it is made of gloves).
Power
horrible dik-dik there will not be.The pet food is selective.Basically, their diet consists of leaves, stems, flowers, seeds and pods of trees and shrubs.They may nibble grass, but it is not their main food.Necessary moisture derived from plants and morning dew.That is why they can survive even in dry areas, where there are no lakes.
Reproduction
Progeny appears after the rainy season.The female bears cub six months.In the year of the female offspring can be twice a year - 1 cub.
calf stays with mother until the age of three.On the parent site are the kids up to 6 months to reach sexual maturity.
