Nyala
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Subfamily
Genus
SPECIES
Tragelaphus angasii
Population size
36,500
Life Span
16-19 years
Weight
55-140
121-308
kglbs
kg lbs 
Height
90-110
35.4-43.3
cminch
cm inch 
Length
135-195
53.1-76.8
cminch
cm inch 

The nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. It was first described in 1849 by George French Angas. They are very shy cautious creatures. They inhabit thickets within dense and dry savanna woodlands and forage during the daylight hours. The main predators of the nyala are lion, leopard, and Cape hunting dog, while baboons and raptorial birds prey on juveniles.

Cr

Crepuscular

Di

Diurnal

He

Herbivore

Fo

Folivore

Te

Terrestrial

Cu

Cursorial

Br

Browsing

Vi

Viviparous

Po

Polygyny

So

Social

He

Herding

Do

Dominance hierarchy

No

Not a migrant

N

starts with

Appearance

The coat of the nyala is rusty or rufous brown in females and juveniles. It grows a dark brown or slate grey in adult males, often with a bluish tinge. Females and young males have ten or more white vertical stripes on their sides. Other markings are visible on the face, throat, flanks, and thighs. Stripes are very reduced or absent in older males. Both males and females have a white chevron between their eyes and a bushy tail white underside. Both sexes have a dorsal crest of hair running right from the back of the head to the end of the tail. Males have another line of hair along the midline of their chest and belly. Only the males have horns. Horns are 60-83 cm (24-33 in) long and yellow-tipped. There are one or two twists. The spoor is similar to that of the bushbuck, but larger. It is 5-6 cm (2-2.4 in) long. The nyala has hairy glands on its feet, which leave their scent wherever it walks.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Nyala are found across southeast Africa from the Lower Shire Valley in Malawi through Mozambique and Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa and Swaziland. They inhabit dense lowland woodlands, thickets, and lush green river country. They choose places with good quality grasslands as well as the provision of fresh water.

Nyala habitat map

Climate zones

Nyala habitat map

Habits and Lifestyle

Nyala live in groups of up to 10 individuals that may be mixed or may contain only females or only males. Old males usually live alone. Females often remain near their mothers when they have their offspring, so the relationships in female herds may be considered relatively closer than that of males. Herds usually feed and drink water together. Nyala are not territorial animals and the home ranges of males are approximately equal to that of females and overlap extensively. Nyala are active mainly in the early morning and late afternoon. They browse during the day if temperatures are 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) and during the night in the rainy season. During the hot hours of the day, these antelopes usually rest in thick bushes. They are very shy in nature, and like remaining hidden rather than coming out in the open. Most sightings of nyala in the wild are at water holes. But nowadays they are becoming less shy and often come out in the sight of tourists. Alert and wary in nature, nyala uses a sharp, high, dog-like bark to warn others in a group about the danger. This feature is mainly used by females. They also react to the alarm calls of impala, baboon, and kudu.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Nyala are herbivores. Their diet consists of foliage, fruits, flowers, and twigs. During the rainy season, they feed upon the fresh grass.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
year-round, peak in spring and autumn
PREGNANCY DURATION
7 months
BABY CARRYING
1 calf
INDEPENDENT AGE
7 months
FEMALE NAME
doe
MALE NAME
buck
BABY NAME
calf

Nyala are polygynous meaning that one male mates with more than one female. They breed throughout the year with the peak in spring and autumn. The males fight over dominance during the mating season and when the male enters a female's herd, he makes a display by raising his white dorsal crest, lowering his horns, and moving stiffly. The female gives birth to a single calf after the gestation period of 7 months. Birth takes place generally away from the sight of predators, in places such as a thicket. The calf remains hidden for up to 18 days, and the mother nurses it at regular intervals. The young usually remains with its mother until the birth of the next calf, during which males in rut drive it away from the mother. Females reach reproductive maturity at 11 to 12 months of age and males start to breed when they are 18 months old.

Population

Population threats

The major threats to the population of the nyala include habitat loss, agriculture, and cattle grazing. Poaching is another serious threat to these beautiful antelopes and the males are highly prized as game animals in Africa.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total nyala population size is 36,500 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The name "nyala" is the Tsonga name for this antelope, which is likely the source of the English, along with the Zulu "inyala".
  • Nyala may sometimes follow feeding baboons, picking fallen fruits and leaves that baboons dislodge from trees.
  • Like many other herbivores, nyala rely on keen senses to avoid predators. Their eyes are placed on the sides of their heads, giving them a broad radius of vision with minimal binocular vision. Their horizontally elongated pupils also help in this respect. Acute senses of smell and hearing give nyala the ability to perceive danger at night out in the open (when predators are often on the prowl).
  • Antelopes play a significant role in many cultures. Their horns are prized for supposed medicinal and magical powers in many places. The antelope's ability to run swiftly has also led to their association with the wind. In Mali, antelopes were believed to have brought the skills of agriculture to mankind. Humans have also used the term "Antelope" to refer to a tradition usually found in the sport of track and field.

References

1. Nyala on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyala
2. Nyala on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22052/115165681

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