Lowland nyala
A species of Elands Scientific name : Tragelaphus angasii Genus : Elands
Lowland nyala, A species of Elands
Scientific name: Tragelaphus angasii
Genus: Elands
Content
Description General Info
Photo By KCZooFan , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Nyala was long considered one of the rarest antelope species. Strict protective measures have helped the stocks to recover. Nevertheless, the Nyala is one of the still very little researched horn carriers.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Lowland nyala is primarily a browser, with leaves, twigs, and shoots constituting the bulk of its intake. It manifests a special preference for the fresh growth of woody plants, demonstrating its selective feeding behavior for nutritious content.
Appearance
The lowland nyala is a medium-sized ungulate with a slender, elongated body covered in coarse, hairy fur. Its coloration is primarily chestnut brown with white vertical stripes and spots, which play a significant role in camouflage. Its most distinctive feature is its long, spiral horns present in males, absent in females. Juveniles have a lighter color than adults, becoming darker as they age.
Behavior
Lowland nyala exhibits crepuscular habits, being most active at dawn and dusk. The species is solitary, with males being particularly territorial, marking their space with dung piles. Notably, lowland nyala exhibits a 'freeze' behavior when threatened, remaining motionless to blend with their environment as a form of camouflage.
Population
Stable
Photo By KCZooFan , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original