Pronunciation: [dˈɪbɐtˌaɡ] (IPA) 
The word "dibatag" is a noun that refers to a species of antelope in Africa. Its name is spelled as [diːˈbætæɡ] in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where "di" is pronounced as "dee", "b" as "be", "æ" as "a" in "cat", "t" as "tee" and "ɡ" as "g". Its spelling is derived from Somali language, where "dibatag" means "to agilely jump sideways". The dibatag is known for its unique habit of jumping sideways when it is alarmed.
The term "dibatag" refers to a specific species of antelope found in the Horn of Africa. The dibatag (Ammodorcas clarkei) is a medium-sized herbivorous mammal known for its unique physical features and behavior.
Physically, the dibatag is characterized by its slender build and long, slim legs, enabling it to navigate the dry and dusty terrain it inhabits. Its coat is predominantly reddish-brown, fading to a lighter shade on the underside, providing effective camouflage in its natural habitat. Males possess long, backward-curving horns, while females lack them entirely.
The dibatag is predominantly a grazer, thriving on dry grasses, herbs, and leaves. However, it has adapted to withstand arid conditions by being able to survive for extended periods without water. This resilience allows the dibatag to inhabit semiarid regions with limited access to water sources.
Due to its elusive nature and limited range, the dibatag is considered a vulnerable species. It inhabits isolated pockets in Ethiopia and Somalia, where habitat loss and hunting for meat pose significant threats to its population. Conservation efforts are necessary to safeguard its future.
The term "dibatag" can also be used more broadly to refer to other species within the same genus, Ammodorcas, which includes the Bates's pygmy antelope (Ammodorcas batesi). However, the specific context is required to differentiate between these closely related species.
The word "dibatag" is derived from the Somali language. The name "dibatag" comes from two words in Somali: "diib" meaning "to gain" or "to acquire", and "taag" meaning "horn". Therefore, "dibatag" can be translated as "the animal with acquired horns" or "the horned one". It refers to a species of antelope native to Somalia and Ethiopia, known for its distinctive lyre-shaped, twisted horns.
