African Mountain Nyala

Mountain Nyala

(Tragelaphus buxtoni)

Current all time records
SCI: Score 117 - Ethipoia, Arussi Mountains - 9/84
Rowland Ward: Score 39 1/2 - Chergher Mtns., Ethiopia - 1984

Description: The grey-brown coat is short and glossy in the summer, although during the cooler winter months these rugged spiral-horned antelope can become quite shaggy. The underparts are slightly lighter. There are 2-5 white stripes and several spots on the flanks, a white crescent on the upper chest beneath a broad white throat patch, a white chevron between the eyes, and white spots on the cheeks. As they mature, males develop a darker, richer-coloured coat, which contrasts strikingly with these markings. In addition, they grow a stiff crest of hair from the base of the neck to the rump and a slight mane on the neck. The horns, found only in males, grow 85-118 cm / 34-47 inches long, and have 1.5 spiral-like twists.

Other Common Names:

Size:

Range: Only Ethiopia; year around, but the summer rainy season is usually avoided.

Natural History: The social system of the mountain nyala is loose, with a single female and her young forming the most stable unit. Several females will frequently merge together to form temporary groups, which are often joined by mature males. During the dry season, these groups are considerably smaller, as the animals must range widely in order to obtain their nutritional requirements. Home ranges are utilized in the wet season, and average about 5 square kilometers for females and 20 square kilometers for males. Population densities may be as high as 20 animals per square kilometer in prime habitat.

Hunting Characteristics: