The nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. It is a species of the family Bovidae and genus Tragelaphus, previously placed in genus Nyala. It was first described in 1849 by George French Angas.
The coat is maroon or rufous brown in females and juveniles, but grows a dark brown or slate grey, often tinged with blue, in adult males. Females and young males have ten or more white stripes on their sides.
The nyala is mainly active in the early morning and the late afternoon. As a herbivore, the nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, and requires sufficient fresh water. A shy animal, it prefers water holes rather than open spaces. They inhabit thickets within dense and dry savanna woodlands.
The main predators of the nyala are lion, leopard and African wild dog, while baboons and raptorial birds prey on juveniles.
Stamps & Postal Products
1964 Definitive Series – £1 Nyala
1971 Antelopes Definitive Series – 2t Nyala
