What does Nyala mean?

antilope nyalaThe mountain Nyala, whose scientific name is Tragelaphus buxtoni, is a kind of antelope that lives in Southern Ethiopia (East Africa).

IDetailed information from Animal info by Paul Massicot:

The mountain nyala is a kudu-like antelope, weighing up to 300 kg (660 lb). It is found in highland forest and heathland, between 3000 – 4200 m (9800 – 13,800′). It is mainly a browser, feeding on herbs and shrubs and occasionally on grass, lichens, leaves and ferns in the evening and early morning. Groups of up to 15 individuals have been observed; it can also occur alone.

The mountain nyala is endemic to Ethiopia. Since at least the 1960’s it has been reported only from the mountains of southeastern Ethiopia such as the Arussi and Bale mountains.

Reasons for the mountain nyala’s decline include habitat loss, disturbance and poaching. Natives of the area hunt it for meat and purported medicinal purposes. In most parts of its range, its preferred habitat at lower altitudes has been taken over for cultivation and pastoralism and it has been forced to retreat to higher, less vegetated regions.

 

Population estimates
2-4000 (Stuart & Stuart, 1996).
Weight
The female mountain nyala weighs 150 – 200 kg (330 – 440 lb); the male weighs 180 – 300 kg (400 – 660 lb).
Habitat
The mountain nyala is found in highland forest and heathland, between 3000 – 4200 m (9800 – 13,800′). The lower reaches of the mountains, around 3000 m (9800′) in the ecotone between the lower edge of the Juniper/Hagenia woodlands and the riverine grasslands are preferred over the upper, less vegetated areas. The mountain nyala occurs in the Ethiopian Highlands Global 200 Ecoregion. (Olson & Dinerstein 1998, Olson & Dinerstein 1999)
Birth Season
Mating peaks in December and most births occur in the rainy season.
Early Development
A young mountain nyala stays closely attached to its mother for as long as 2 years, by which time female calves are themselves pregnant and males have long horns and join bachelor groups.(Kingdon 1997).
Diet
The mountain nyala browses on herbs and shrubs and occasionally on grass, lichens, leaves and ferns.
Behavior
The mountain nyala normally feeds in the evening and early morning.
Social Organization
The mountain nyala occurs alone or in groups of up to 15 individuals. Old males are usually solitary.
Density/Range
Female mountain nyalas restrict their movements to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during the rainy season. Males occupy a range of up to 20 sq km (8 sq mi). The mountain nyala can reach a density of over 20 individuals/sq km in Bale National Park. (Kingdon 1997)