A strikingly graceful antelope, the nyala is native to the southern regions of Africa, specifically in areas from Malawi to South Africa. Known for its shy and elusive nature, the nyala thrives in dense bushlands and forested areas, skillfully navigating the undergrowth largely hidden from the human eye. This animal is admired for its beauty, intriguing behaviors, and distinctive appearance, making it a fascinating subject of study and observation.

The nyala exhibits a significant sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look remarkably different from each other, more so than in most other antelope species. They possess a striking dark brown or slate grey coat marked with several white vertical stripes that enhance their camouflage in the wild. One of the most distinctive features of the male nyala is its long, spiral horns, which can grow up to 70 cm (26 in) in length and have yellow tips. These horns are not just for show; they play a crucial role during the mating season when males display and spar for the attention of females.

Females, on the other hand, are significantly smaller, weighing around 55 to 68 kilograms, and do not bear horns. Their coat is a bright chestnut color, which also features white vertical stripes, though these are often more prominent than those seen in males. Both sexes have a fringe of hair running along their underside and a bushy tail with a white underside, which is often flashed as a warning signal to others when they sense danger.

Nyala are mostly active during the cooler parts of the day—dawn and dusk—when they come out to feed. Their diet primarily consists of leaves, grasses, fruits, and flowers, making them browsers and occasional grazers, depending on the availability of food sources. This varied diet helps them thrive in diverse habitats, from woodlands to thickets.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Botswana

2016

Introduced

Eswatini

1,000

2016

Reintroduced

Malawi

1,500

Official estimate

LC

2016

Mozambique

<3,000

2016

Namibia

250

2016

Introduced

South Africa

30,000

2016

Zimbabwe

>1,000

2016