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RAINBIRDER | all galleries >> AFRICA >> KENYA >> KENYAN WILDLIFE >> Samburu/Buffalo Springs > Kirk's Dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii)
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08-JUL-2010

Kirk's Dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii)

Buffalo Springs NP, Kenya

These tiny antelope are monogamous living in pairs/family groups in a fixed territory which the males defend.
This image shows an adult male with its "crest" erected in display to a nearby rival. Note the pre-orbital scent gland which is used to smear smelly gunk onto grass stems to mark territory. Pairs also mark the periphery of their territories with dung middens. -An altogether delightful wee beastie!

The snout & enlarged nasal cavity is actually an intricate cooling mechanism which helps prevent the animal from overheating without excessive water loss.

Canon EOS 7D
1/1000s f/5.6 at 700.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Guest 30-Mar-2011 16:00
Wonderful close up and detail, well done.
Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal12-Aug-2010 15:07
Exellent close up, beautiful detail and color!!
Ton
lou_rozensteins11-Aug-2010 22:05
Beautiful details of this very unusual animaal. Well done.
Peter Ericsson11-Aug-2010 06:18
Such a strange looking snout! Like its been stolen from some other type of animal.
Needless to say a stunning image!
Esa Ervasti11-Aug-2010 04:06
Tiny indeed, I remember my first sight of this interesting antelope.
Excellent details and display document.
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