Nyala
Nyala angasi
The graceful antelopes with their pretty patterns mostly live near rivers by Southeast African dry forests. The males have a characteristic mane and horns of up to 85 cm in length.
At a glance
Males and females are easy to distinguish: the males have horns and a mane, the females don’t. Also, the males generally have slate grey-coloured fur while the females are mostly reddish brown.
It’s only pretending...
Newborn males look like females at first to protect them from the jealous eyes of their dominant elders so they can grow up in the herd in peace.
Characteristics
- Origin
South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawiand South Africa as well as in national parks
- Habitat
prefers bush and forested areas near water
- Diet
Leaves, shoots and fruits, grass, and herbs
- Bestand
least concern
- Size
approx. 110 cm (shoulder height)
- Weight
100 to 140kg
- Gestation period
7 months
- Achievable age
up to 12 years in the wild, up to 16 years in human care
Threat Categories of IUCN
Did you know that ...
... Nyala males can weigh up to 120 kg, and females can weigh up to 60 kg,
... it is no rare occurance for them to give birth to twins,
... and due to their impressive horns, up to 85 cm in length, they have sadly become a coveted hunting trophy?
