Endangered

Mountain Nyala

(Tragelaphus buxtoni)

Horn of Africa Acacia Savannas

STATISTICS

Height up to

135 cm

Length up to

260 cm

Weight up to

225 kgs

Lifespan

20 years

Elusive - Seasonal Movement

The Mountain Nyala is predominantly found at high altitudes consisting of woodland, bush, heath and moorland habitats. It has a grey-brown coat with five white stripes and six to ten white spots on its flank. During the cold season, this species’ coat may become shaggy.

The Mountain Nyala breeds annually with the peak of its young arriving in December. The gestation period for a female is 8 – 9 months and she gives birth to a single foal. This species forms groups that are typically made up of females with their young while males are solitary. The Mountain Nyala is most active during the day, feeding in the early morning and late afternoon.

Its main predator is the Leopard, however this species is often poached for bushmeat. The Mountain Nyala is a browser and as such it impacts plant populations, as well as making plant nutrients available to carnivores.

BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT

Seed dispersal - Nurtient cycling

THREATS

Illegal Hunting

Hunted for its meat and for medicinal purposes.

Habitat Destruction

Due to cultivation and development at high altitudes.

Encroachment

Grazing livestock are encroaching on habitat.

3,000
Left in the Wild

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