Mammals
Nyala
Tragelaphus angasii · also called nyalas
Standing side by side, a male and female nyala look so different that they could pass for two unrelated species, one dark grey with elegant spiralled horns, the other reddish-brown and entirely without horns at all.
Overview
The nyala, Tragelaphus angasii, is a woodland antelope native to forest and savanna habitat across southern Africa. Its extreme difference in appearance between males and females, striking spiral-horned dark grey males, and preference for dense woodland cover make it one of the most visually dramatic and sexually distinctive antelope species found anywhere in Africa.
Two looks, one species
The nyala’s dramatic difference between the sexes ranks among the most extreme examples of sexual dimorphism found in any antelope, a distinction sharp enough that many first-time observers assume they are looking at entirely different animals.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest and savanna habitat throughout southern Africa.
Nyala: common questions
Why do male and female nyala look so different?
This species shows an extreme difference in appearance between the sexes, with dark grey, spiral-horned males and reddish-brown, hornless females looking different enough that an untrained observer could easily mistake them for two separate species.
What does a male nyala look like?
Male nyala have a dark grey-brown body marked with white vertical stripes and long spiralled horns, a striking combination that stands out among African antelope.
Do female nyala have horns?
No, female nyala are entirely without horns, a stark contrast to the elaborately horned males of the same species.
Where does the nyala prefer to live?
This species favours dense woodland and thicket habitat, relying on thick cover for both feeding opportunities and protection from predators.