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Nyala (Tragelaphus angasi)

THE HERBIVORES AND OMNIVORES

Nyala

Although often confused with kudu, which they vaguely resemble, there are obvious differences which al low easy recognition of the two species. Nyala are somewhat smaller and gaunter or thin, while the coats of the females are basically a rich red-brown and those of the male's dark brown, compared to the washed-out grey-brown of kudu. Females and younger males have a series of up to eight lighter vertical stripes along the side of the body. Male nyala have a characteristic yellowy-orange on the lower parts of the legs, much as though wearing bright, knee-length socks. When the males are full-grown their lyre-shaped horns, which are white- tipped, reach only about half the length of those of kudu. Females of both species lack horns.

Nyala are rare and seen only at a few select locations. A small population of 30 to 40 is scattered along the banks of the Sabie River. Other small, isolated herds live along the eastern half of the Olifants, the Letaba, the Shingwedzi and the Mphongolo rivers and in the tall mo pane woodland around Prnida Maria. Only in the luxuriant riverine forest adjoining the Luvuvhu and Limpopo do nyala become abundant. Here visitors are certain to see these magnificent animals. 

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