The conformation of the skull of this species, as has been pointed out by us above, and previously much commented upon by Dr. Günther, is another noteworthy peculiarity. It is shown in the two illustrations (figs. 29 a and 29 b), for the use of which we are likewise indebted to the Zoological Society and Dr. Günther.
Fig. 29 a.
Skull of Madoqua kirki (side view).
(P.Z.S. 1880, p. 19.)
Fig. 29 b.
Skull of Madoqua kirki (upper view).
(P.Z.S. 1880, p. 20.)
Further south on the east coast of Africa this Dik-dik has been obtained near Lamu by Consul Haggard and on the island of Manda, in the same district, by Sir John Kirk, both of whom have contributed specimens of it from this quarter to the National Collection. But south of the Sabaki River M. kirki appears to desert the coast, and to extend into the interior to the Kilimanjaro district. Sir H. H. Johnston, the first scientific explorer of Kilimanjaro, met with this Dik-dik at a high altitude on that mountain, and in his ‘Kilimanjaro Expedition’ (p. 355) has given us a characteristic drawing of its head. A subsequent explorer of Kilimanjaro, Dr. W. L. Abbott, obtained four specimens of this Antelope near Taveta; these were referred by Mr. True, in his article on Dr. Abbott’s Mammals, to M. damarensis, from which he did not distinguish the present species. Mr. H. C. V. Hunter also obtained this Dik-dik “near the foot of Kilimanjaro,” and has furnished the British Museum with a skin and skull from that locality. He says it is “common there, in bush interspersed with aloes on dry soil,” and “appears to subsist without water.”