NEOTRAGUS Meaning and
Definition
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Neotragus is a genus of small antelopes that are native to the continent of Africa. These animals belong to the family Bovidae and are commonly referred to as dik-diks. The dik-diks are renowned for their diminutive stature, standing at around 30 to 45 centimeters tall at the shoulder and weighing between 3 to 6 kilograms. They have a distinctive appearance characterized by a pointed snout, large eyes, and a pair of elongated, ringed horns.
Neotragus species inhabit various habitats in Africa, including dense forests, thorny bushes, and savannahs. They are predominantly herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, shoots, and flowers. Due to their small size, neotragus are known for their exceptional agility and swift movements, allowing them to navigate through dense vegetation with ease and evade predators effectively.
These antelopes are primarily solitary creatures, with males and females only coming together during the mating season. Female dik-diks typically give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around six to seven months. The young dik-dik quickly learns to walk and can follow its mother within hours of being born.
Although neotragus face threats such as habitat loss and predation, these antelopes have managed to maintain stable populations in their respective habitats across Africa. Their fascinating adaptation to their environment and unique characteristics make them a subject of interest for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Etymology of NEOTRAGUS
The word "neotragus" has its origin in Greek. It is composed of two Greek roots: "neos", meaning "new" or "young", and "tragos", meaning "male goat".
The term "neotragus" was coined by French naturalist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire in the early 19th century to classify a genus of African dwarf antelopes. The name Neotragus refers to the small size and goat-like appearance of these animals.
