Nyala

Description
It is a medium sized antelope. The male has two long manes: one on the back and the other from the chin to the stomach. The males vary in colour from light chestnut to chocolate brown, which darkens with age. The males have horns, which are long and spiralled. The female is smaller with chestnut fur and distinctive white stripes.

Ethology
They are mainly active during the day and are found in pairs or small groups of 3 to 15 members. They have a gestation of 8 and a half months after which they usually have a single calf.

Interesting facts
There are currently stable populations thanks to over 80% of specimens being in protected areas. However, in the past, they disappeared from large areas, mainly due to the loss of habitat for agriculture and grazing, and due to hunting. On private estates of South Africa they are still hunted as trophies, especially the adult males, due to their horns.