Günther-Dikdik
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Günther-Dikdik ( Madoqua guentheri ) |
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| Madoqua guentheri | ||||||||||||
| Thomas , 1894 |
The Günther-Dikdik ( Madoqua guentheri ) is a species from the horn-bearer family . The name honors the German zoologist Albert Günther .
description
Appearance and dimensions
The Günther-Dikdik is built extremely slim. The slim impression is enhanced by the long and thin legs with the black hooves. The long neck and the relatively small head are also striking. The body length is between 50 and 68 centimeters, the rear legs are 16.5 to 20.5 centimeters long. It reaches a shoulder height of 32 to 36 centimeters. The weight is 3.5 to 4.6 kilograms. The tail is relatively short at 20 to 50 millimeters. The males are smaller and lighter than the females. The fur is yellowish-brown to gray-brown in color. The flanks are mostly sand-colored with a slightly rust-red sheen. The belly side and the inside of the legs are whitish to slightly grayish in color. The male has up to 10 centimeters long, black, straight or slightly curved horns. The horns of the young animals are usually hidden under the tufts of hair on the top of the head. The Günther-Dikdik has relatively large, black eyes that are on the sides of the head. The most certain distinguishing feature from other Dikdik species is the significantly longer snout. The elongated bridge of the nose is probably used for thermoregulation, as there is a fine network of blood vessels directly under the skin. The blood in this area is cooled down by evaporation.
Way of life
Günther-Dikdiks are extremely social and live in small family groups consisting of a couple and their offspring. The offspring remain in the family group until the mother is next pregnant. Loners also rarely appear. Günther-Dikdiks are territorial and mark their territory with feces and urine as well as with a secretion from glands on the head. Both sexes take part in marking the territory. When in danger, the animals emit whistling noises, which can also be seen as threatening gestures. Only the male chases after an intruder. The small horns can also be used as weapons. The fights among rival males are mostly symbolic and injuries are rare. Günther-Dikdiks are usually secretive and hide in dense vegetation.
distribution
The distribution area extends in East Africa over southern and south-eastern Ethiopia , Somalia , southern Sudan , northern Uganda and northern Kenya . Four subspecies live in this range. Semi-open habitats such as bushland, dry river valleys, savannas and forest edges are preferred as habitats. It avoids dense forests and completely open areas. It can be found on the plains, in the hill country and in parts of the coast.
Predators
The numerous natural enemies include: leopards , cheetahs , hyenas , jackals , caracals , baboons , eagles and snakes . Their only defense is their hidden way of life. In the event of danger, the animals crouch in the tall grass and only flee at the last moment.
nutrition
The Günther-Dikdik is a pure herbivore. It feeds mainly on fruits, flowering plants, leaves, bark, seeds, sprouts and plant stems. But it also eats grass and herbs. In the vicinity of humans they also eat the grain standing in the fields and the fallen fruit from orchards. The drinking water requirement is largely covered by food. The foraging for food takes place mainly at dusk.
Reproduction
The female reaches sexual maturity at 8 to 10 months, the male at around 12 months. The Günther-Dikdik leads a monogamous marriage, not infrequently the marriage lasts a lifetime. The mating season extends over the whole year. Most births, however, occur in the beginning of the rainy season. After a gestation period of 170 to 180 days, the female gives birth, rarely two young animals. The birth weight varies between 600 and 800 grams. The afterbirth is eaten by the mother to get rid of tell-tale smells. In the first three weeks of life, the young animal remains hidden in the tall grass and the mother only comes by to suckle, but always stays close by. Then the offspring follow their parents. The suckling period extends over four to five months. As early as the second week of life, the young animals take in additional food. After seven to eight months, the young animal is as big as its parents. After seven to eight months, the young animals leave their parents and become independent.
Subspecies
- M. g. guentheri (Thomas, 1894): eastern Ethiopia, northern and central Somalia, southern Sudan, northern Uganda, northern Kenya
- M. g. hodsoni (Pocock, 1926): southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia
- M. g. smithii (Thomas, 1901): border area between Ethiopia and Kenya
- M. g. wronghtoni (Drake-Brockman, 1909): Ethiopia
Danger
The species is on the Red List of IUCN as "not at risk" (Least Concern) out.
swell
- David Macdonald: The Great Encyclopedia of Mammals. Ullmann / tandem.
- Hans Petzsch : Urania Tierreich, 7 vols., Mammals. Urania, Stuttgart 1992.
