There are seven currently recognized types of dik-diks in the Mammal Diversity Database: Günther’s, Kirk’s, Salt’s, silver, Naivasha, Damara, and Ugogo dik-diks. Older field guides often list only four species because they combine the Naivasha, Damara, and Ugogo forms within Kirk’s dik-dik. This difference is a matter of changing taxonomy, not the discovery of three […]
Wild Animals
3 Types of Springbok: Identification, Range, and Facts
There are three traditionally recognized types of springbok, all belonging to the species Antidorcas marsupialis. These graceful antelopes inhabit the dry grasslands, shrublands, and semi-desert regions of southern and southwestern Africa. They are famous for their distinctive brown-and-white coats, curved horns, remarkable speed, and spectacular jumping display known as pronking. This guide explains the appearance, […]
22 Types of Duikers: Species, Habitats, and Identification
Duikers are small to medium-sized African antelopes famous for diving into dense vegetation when danger approaches. The 22 commonly listed types of duikers vary from the tiny blue duiker to the powerful yellow-backed duiker. Most inhabit tropical forests, but the widespread common duiker also thrives in savannas, shrublands, and other open habitats. This guide covers […]
2 Types of Impalas: Identification, Range, and Facts
There are two commonly recognized types of impalas: the widespread common impala and the much more localized black-faced impala. Both are graceful African antelopes known for reddish coats, remarkable jumping ability, social herds, and the long, lyre-shaped horns carried by adult males. This guide explains how the two impala types differ in appearance, size, geographic […]
2 Types of Elands: Identification, Range, and Facts
There are two recognized types of elands: the common eland and the giant eland. Both are enormous spiral-horned antelopes native to Africa, but they differ in distribution, markings, habitat preferences, and conservation needs. This guide explains how to identify each species, where elands live, what they eat, how they behave, and what wildlife watchers should […]
15 Types of Genets: Species, Habitats, and Identification
There are 15 currently recognized types of genets in the genus Genetta. These sleek, mostly nocturnal carnivores live across Africa, while the common genet also occurs in parts of southwestern Europe and the Arabian Peninsula. Although genets look a little like long-bodied, spotted cats, they belong to the civet family, Viverridae, rather than the cat […]