The authors study the attitudes of local people towards mountain nyala in Munessa by using a household survey to examine the socio-economic characteristics and beliefs of local people. Findings revealed that local people have positive attitudes towards mountain nyala, its conservation and population increase. When compared to socio-economic characteristics, beliefs towards mountain nyala are found to be a more powerful and consistent predictor of attitudes. The authors conclude that conservation education, advocating for sustainable utilisation and introducing an economic benefit sharing may improve positive attitudes and increase participation in conservation.