Habitat:

Nyala are found across southeast Africa from the Lower Shire Valley in Malawi through Mozambique and Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa and Swaziland. They inhabit dense lowland woodlands, thickets, and lush green river country.

Description:

Nyala is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. Their coat is maroon or brown in females and juveniles but grows a dark brown or grey, often tinged with blue in adult males. Females and young males have ten or more white stripes on their sides. Both males and females have a white chevron between their eyes and a long bushy tail with white underside. Only males have horns with twists and yellow tips.

Status:

Stable

Interesting facts:

· Nyala is also known as the lowland Nyala because of where they reside as opposed to the mountain Nyala.

· Herds can reach up to 30 individuals but they usually live in herds of four to eight.

· Nyala are surprisingly not territorial, nor do they have clearly defined territories, instead they tend to wander.

· Males develop horns from a young age. It’s only when they reach full maturity that these horns develop the trademark double twist. These horns are then used in battles to  determine dominance and hierarchy.

· Diet: Foliage, fruits, flowers, twigs and grass.

· Gestation: After 7 months the female gives birth to a single calf, although twins are not uncommon.

· Reproduction: They can breed all throughout the year but peak in Spring and Autumn.

· Nyala look out for each other, when they spot danger they give off a high pitch bark to warn others in the group, also giving warning to nearby monkeys and baboons.

· Predators:  Lions, leopards and Wild Dogs

· Lifespan: 15-19 years