PHILLIPS'S DIK-DIK 69 



Somaliland. Its habitat extends from the low-lying coast districts 

 to the Haud. 



Habits. — The habits of all the dik-diks are similar. They 

 prefer the dry acacia-thorn bush country, and are equally agile in 

 the stony as the flat country. They are especially fond of the aloe 

 bush, where they can hide and escape observation with comparative 

 ease. Although somewhat shy they can usually be surprised and 

 bagged with a shot gun. When startled they often dash off with 

 a series of leaps, uttering a peculiar note resembling the words 

 " Ghuss, ghuss." The Somali name for this species, namely 

 " Gol Ass," means " red-sided." They all usually inhabit waterless 

 parts, and depend a great deal on the heavy dew for moisture. 

 They are never seen more than three together and usually only 

 two — the third being their offspring. 



