The Antelope of africa
Nyala
Tragelaphus angasiMale and female are very different with male larger and darker in colour than red-rusty female and male has spiraled horns. Both have white stripes down body.
Distribution
From north-eastern South Africa through Zimbabwe and Mozambique into Malawi
Social structure
Males are not territorial but display dominance when associated with females. Groups are small and constantly changing. Males are often seen alone.
Range differentiation
The only differences between ranges is in the vegetation choice when feeding and a very slight colour variation.
Habitat
Occurs in areas of woodland with good cover and normally associated with water-courses.
Feeding
Nyala are mixed feeders, browsing predominantly during dry times and grazing more grass during and after the rains. Fruit will also be eaten at times.
Breeding
Birthing year round with seasonal peaks, the young resembles the females in colour and remains hidden for the first few weeks of its life.
Male and female nyala are the same colour when they are young.
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Male and female nyala are the same colour when they are young.
Nyala can be seen grazing in an area of burn where they pick on the new shoots.
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Nyala can be seen grazing in an area of burn where they pick on the new shoots.
Males are not territorial but display by walking slowly on straightened legs and raising the hair on their necks. If the display and posturing do not work then fights may start until one backs down.
Male nyala will posture before fighting and then fight until one backs down.
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Male nyala will posture before fighting and then fight until one backs down.
Nyala will eat fruit on occasion such as this sausage tree fruit.
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Click to enlarge
Nyala will eat fruit on occasion such as this sausage tree fruit.
