Special Features:
- Females are smaller and have a chestnut coat. She has a short black crest along her back.
- Both males and females have around 14 white stripes along their back they use for camouflage.
- It twists its tongue around the food and then breaks it off against its lower teeth.
- Will frequently drink near crocodiles. Crocodiles rarely attack the Nyala.
- Have large ears for excellent hearing.
- Males are charcoal grey with a dark shaggy band on the neck. He has a light crest along the neck and back which is raised to warn off other males.
Social Structure & Behavior:
Usually lives in small herds. Family groups are led by a female.
Not territorial. Feeds from late afternoon to early morning.
Breeding & Care of Young:
Sexual maturity is 3 years. Gestation is 7 months. Single birth.
Mother leaves the calf for 18 days returning periodically to nurse and clean it.
Male's horns appear soon after birth and take 4 years to grow.
Most births during the rainy season. Both male and female calves are chestnut colored.
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