nyala , Slender antelope (Tragelaphus angasii) of South Africa having a crest of hair along the back from head to tail and standing 106 cm (42 in.). The male, which has loosely spiraled horns and a long fringe on the throat and underparts, is dark brown with reddish brown on the lower legs, white on the face and neck, and vertical white stripes on the body. The female is reddish brown with more conspicuous striping. Nyalas live alone or in small groups in forests. The rare mountain nyala (T. buxtoni) of central Ethiopia is grayish brown.