Mountain Nyala
    Image: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mountain Nyala

    Tragelaphus buxtoni

    Antelope & Gazelle
    Endangered

    Best Months to Spot

    JFMAMJJASOND

    Most sightings recorded in Feb, Nov. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.

    Conservation Status

    Conservation hub
    EN - EndangeredDecreasing population

    Faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

    The mountain nyala faces significant threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlement, as well as poaching. While specific recovery programs are limited, conservation efforts focus on protecting its restricted mountain habitat. Responsible tourism in its range can help fund anti-poaching patrols and habitat preservation, providing economic incentives for local communities to protect this unique antelope.

    The mountain nyala or balbok, is a large antelope found in high altitude woodlands in a small part of central Ethiopia. It is a monotypic species first described by English naturalist Richard Lydekker in 1910. The males are typically 120–135 cm (47–53 in) tall while females stand 90–100 cm (35–39 in) at the shoulder. Males weigh 180–300 kg (400–660 lb) and females weigh 150–200 kg (330–440 lb). The coat is grey to brown, marked with two to five poorly defined white strips extending from the back to the underside, and a row of six to ten white spots. White markings are present on the face, throat and legs as well. Males have a short dark erect crest, about 10 cm (3.9 in) high, running along the middle of the back. Only males possess horns.

    Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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