Scientific Name:

Tragelaphus Angasii

Description:

The handsome slate-brown shaggy coat is marked with white vertical stripes and spots on the flanks. Bulls appear more charcoal-grey in colour. Thebulls have long inward curved horns (650 mm) and a white chevroned face. They have a ridge of long hairs along the underparts, from behind the chin to between the hind legs, they also have a mane of thick, black hair from the head along the spine to the rump. Nyala are medium sized in comparison to other antelopes, with a marked size difference between the sexes.

Habitat:

This rather large antelope inhabits dense woodlands and thickets along permanent water. It is very secretive and more easily seen at night. Nyala is non-territorial, but both sexes have overlapping home ranges. The home ranges of ewes are twice the size than that of rams. Nyala are found near thickets in dry savanna woodland, and prefer proximity to high quality grassland and fresh water as well.

Distribution:

Nyala have a localized distribution, occupying some parts of southeastern Africa.

Size:

Bulls measure 1.05 m at shoulders. Ewes are much smaller and do not have horns.

Weight:

Males weigh 98-125 kg, while females weigh 55-68 kg.

Lifespan:

16 years.