Lowland Nyala

The nyala is a medium-sized antelope native to the dense woodlands and thickets of southern Africa, particularly in countries like South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Shy and elusive by nature, nyalas prefer areas close to water sources where they can find both shelter and food, moving silently through the undergrowth with an alert, cautious demeanour.

What makes the nyala especially fascinating is the striking difference in appearance between males and females, a trait known as sexual dimorphism. Females are a rich chestnut colour, with prominent white stripes and spots that help camouflage them in the bush. Males, on the other hand, are significantly larger and darker, with shaggy slate-grey to brown coats, twisted spiral horns, and a long white dorsal crest that runs along their back, adding to their imposing look.

Nyalas are mostly crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, though they may also forage at night. They spend much of their day hidden in cover, emerging only when it’s safer to feed. Their diet is highly adaptable; they browse on leaves, twigs, fruits, and flowers, and occasionally graze on grasses, depending on the season. This flexibility allows them to survive even when food sources are scarce. Social structure in nyalas varies.

Females often form small groups with their young, while mature males are more solitary, only joining females during the breeding season. Dominance among males is often established through displays rather than fights where they perform a slow, high-stepping walk with raised hair to appear larger and more intimidating, avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Thanks to their timid nature and preference for dense habitats, nyalas are rarely seen in open areas, making sightings in the wild particularly special. They are not currently endangered but are considered vulnerable in parts of their range due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.

Nyalas are excellent swimmers and will readily cross rivers or flooded areas to access better feeding grounds or escape predators, a rare trait among antelope species.