Fauna
Mammal

Nyala

Tragelaphus angasii

Also known as Lowland Nyala, Inyala

Nyala are secretive spiral-horned antelopes renowned for having the most pronounced sexual dimorphism of any tragelaphine species. Charcoal-grey males carry yellow-socked legs and long lyre-shaped horns, while slender females sport bright chestnut coats with prominent white vertical flank stripes. Highly dependent on dense thickets and water, they spend the hottest hours resting in deep cover before emerging during twilight to browse fresh foliage and fallen fruits.

AntelopeDimorphicSouthern Africa
Nyala reference1 / 7
(c) Rafael Tosi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rafael Tosi · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyTree foliage, Fallen wild fruits, Fresh green grasses
Predators
  • Leopard
  • Lion
  • Spotted Hyena
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, poaching for meat, and prolonged regional droughts
HabitatsDense lowland thickets, riverine woodlands, and moist savannas
Life span15–19 years
Classification
  1. OrderArtiodactyla
  2. FamilyBovidae
  3. GenusTragelaphus
  4. SpeciesTragelaphus angasii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a respectful distance; do not corner or approach males with horns.
Responsible observation
  • Binoculars in Thickets: Scan shaded undergrowth along dry riverbeds where their camouflaged coats blend into dappled light.
  • Dawn and Dusk Timing: Look along woodland edges in early morning and late afternoon when herds leave dense brush to graze.
  • Listen for Alarms: Pay attention to deep, barking coughs, which signal a predator or intruder nearby.
Related species
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