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Nyala are very shy and very cautious about approaching an open space. Often seen near watering holes, they are most active during the early morning hours and late afternoon. They will be found resting during the hottest part of the day in the shade.
Like many other Tragelaphus species, the nyala bears white vertical stripes along its sides. These are disruptive markings used to camouflage the nyala in the forest, enabling it to blend into the background.
The nyala is essentially silent. Females may make a throaty clicking sound when calling their young and the young will bleat if separated from their mothers. Nyala will make an alarm call when a predator has been spotted; this alarm call has been described as a sharp, dog-like bark.
Nyala are sedentary, non-territorial and gregarious. Older bull males will be solitary unless a female is in estrous. Female offspring will generally remain in their natal home range. Calves will stay hidden for 10-18 days before joining the herd. |
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Nyala
Tragelaphus angasii |
STATUS:
Low risk/conservation dependent |
ORIGIN:
South Africa, Natal, Zululand, St. Lucia Bay |
HEIGHT:
2.6-4’ at shoulder |
WEIGHT:
121-308 pounds |
CHARACTERISTICS:
Extreme sexual dimorphism. Both sexes have white chevron between the eyes and 10 or more vertical stripes along the sides. Only males have horns. |
GESTATION/OFFSPRING/BIRTH DAYS:
7 mo/ 1calf/ spring or autumn |
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR:
Single sex and mixed sex groups of 2-10, old bulls solitary |
LIFESPAN:
Up to 16 years |
HABITAT:
Dense lowland woodlands and thickets near water. |
FOOD:
Leaves, fruit and grasses |
PREDATORS:
Leopard, lion, Cape hunting dog |
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