Nyala
Tragelaphus angasii
Nyala is a herbivorous antelope in African savannas, valleys, and forest edges.
| Scientific name | Tragelaphus angasii |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Nyala |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Size | Males: 70-125 kg; Females: 40-70 kg |
How to identify
Males are larger with long spiral horns; coat is dark brown with white stripes; females are smaller, hornless, and lighter in color; males have a prominent mane on the back; tail tip is white.
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, bushland, valleys, and forest edges
Diet
Herbivorous, primarily feeding on tender leaves, grass, fruits, and shrub leaves
When it is active
Active at dawn and dusk, resting in shaded areas during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in southeastern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Malawi; less common in Kenya’s Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Observe at water sources or bush edges during early morning and late afternoon; use binoculars to keep distance and avoid disturbance
Photography tips
Use soft morning or evening light to capture its unique stripes and spiral horn shape; choose natural bush or water backgrounds
Threats
Habitat loss, illegal hunting, and human disturbance
Similar species
Similar to the Greater Kudu but smaller with shorter, tighter spiral horns; compared to the Bushbuck, the Nyala is darker with more distinct stripes
