NYALA

Tragelaphus angasii

SHOULDER HEIGHT : 91-107 cm

MASS : 100 – 126 kg

GESTATION :252 days

This handsome, striking antelope which inhabits dense bush and riverine vegetation offering cover. It has a deep bark similar to that of a bushbuck. It is common in the reserves of KwaZulu-Natal, the northern Kruger National Park, southeastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The male is conspicuously different from the female in colour and size; it has a shaggy coat (well-developed on the underbelly), a bushy tail. Large ears, and a distinctive white chevron between the eyes. The sides are marked with numerous white stripes. The female is lighter in colour than the male and lacks horns. Nyala congregate in herds of up to 30 strong, although solitary animals are not uncommon. It moves freely by day.

Diet – Primarily a browser, but will also graze.

Spoor – Similar to that of the bushbuck, but somewhat longer. 5-6 cm long.