Madoqua saltiana (Blainville, 1816)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Salt's dik-dik, scientifically named Madoqua saltiana (Blainville, 1816), has a body length of 52–67 cm (20–26 in), a shoulder height of 33–41 cm (13–16 in), and a body weight of 2.5–4.0 kg (5.5–8.8 lb).

Sexual Dimorphism

Like other dik-dik species, only males grow small, pointed horns.

Fur Color Variation

Fur color varies noticeably across different subspecies of the species.

Gestation Period

For reproduction, the gestation period of Salt's dik-dik lasts approximately 150–180 days.

Birthing Frequency

Females give birth to one offspring twice per year.

Newborn Behavior

Newborns remain hidden in the nesting area for a minimum of 2–3 weeks.

Infant Development

Infants are able to eat solid food by one week of age, but they continue to nurse for 3–4 months.

Horn Growth Onset

Young males start growing horns within the first month after birth.

Growth Milestones

Salt's dik-dik reaches its full adult size at 8 months old, and stops growing entirely once it reaches 12 months of age.

Sexual Maturity and Territory Establishment

As soon as young dik-diks reach sexual maturity between 6 and 9 months old, they establish their own territory alongside a mate.