African Common Nyala

Common Nyala

(Tragelaphus angasi)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 84 5/8 - R.S.A., Hluhluwe - 8/92
Rowland Ward: Score 32 7/8 - KwaZulu-Natal, RSA - 1982

Description: There is extreme sexual dimorphism, with the two sexes looking entirely different. Both sexes have a white chevron between the eyes, and the bushy tail is white on the underside. The short-haired, rufous-chestnut coat of females and immature males has 10 or more vertical white stripes on the sides. There are white spots on the face, throat, flanks, and thighs. There are no horns on females, and there is no mane on the neck. The males are larger than females, and have a shaggy dark brown to charcoal grey coat, often with a bluish tinge. The length of this coat generally obscures the torso stripes. There are fewer and less conspicuous markings than on the female, but there is a bold erectile white dorsal crest. The lower legs are tawny. The yellow-tipped horns have 1-1.5 twists, and grow 60-83 cm / 24-33 inches long.

Other Common Names: Southern Nyala, Nyala

Size:

Range: Primarily South Africa, but also parts of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe; year around.

Natural History: Nyala are very shy, and are very cautious when approaching open spaces. Most sightings of wild nyala are at water holes. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting in thick brush during the hottest times of the day. The alarm call is a sharp, dog-like bark. Individual nyala home ranges average 0.65 square kilometers for males and 0.83 kilometers for females. These individual areas overlap extensively, and there is no indication of territoriality.

Hunting Characteristics: