Impala

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IMPALA

With its sleek, tawny coat, large eyes, and curved horns the male impala is one of the most agile-as well as most common-of all of Africa's antelopes

Impalas

HABITAT

Impalas are sociable animals that travel in herds. Females and young form herds as large as 100 animals, while males live in small bachelor herds. The herds occupy a large range and make seasonal migration according to the availability of food. While most males live together peacefully, dominant males may establish their own territories, to which they try to attract females. The most successful males are those whose territories have abundant food. Other males are tolerated as long as they show no interest in the females.

BREEDING

The principal mating season is April through June in the southern most part of the impala's rang, and from February to April in East Africa. Males do not search for females; instead, they mate with those that wander into their territories.

Impala

When a female is ready to give birth she seeks a secluded spot away from the herd. After the birth, she and her calf remain seperate from teh group for several days.When the female rejoins the herd, her calf joins a large group of calves that are similar in age. Females are not usually sexually mature until they are two years old. A male is unlikely to win his own territory, or females until he is four years old, even though he is sexually mature at one year.

FOOD AND FEEDING

Impalas feed mainly on grasses, but they also eat a wide variety of leaves, fruits, and seeds. The amount they eat of any one food depends on season and location.In most parts of their range, impalas graze the new protein-rich grasses that flourish during teh rainy season. When the grasses die during periods of drought, the animals browse on bushes, herbs, and shrubes. Because preators often lie in wait near water holes at dusk, impalas drink during the hottest part of the day, when lions are likely to be asleep.

KEY FACTS

      Size
           Height to shoulder: 30-40 in.
           Length:55 in.
           Length of Horns: 20-30 in.
           Weight: 100-175 lb.

      Breeding
           Sexual maturity:13 months, but rarely until 2 years old.
           Mating season:Varies with area and climate
           Gestions: 6-7 months
           No. of young 1

      Life Style
           Habit:Sociable herds
           Diet:Grasses,herbs,and,shrubs
           Call:Male roars during mating season
           Life Span:Up to 12 years in wild;17 years in capitivity

      Related Species
           Impala is the only species in the
           genus.There is a subspecies-the
           black-faced impala, Aepyceros
           melampus petersi.

DID YOU KNOW?

The male impala's horns take many years to reach full length.
Most young impalas are born in the middle of the day,whenpredators are usally resting.
Impalas are preyed upon by lions,leopards, and cheetahs, so they are constantly on the alert fo danger.
Teh male impala produces a scent from his forehead.The greater his rank in teh herd, the stronger the scent.When males loses his rank, he produces less scent.
In addition to leaping forward, impalas can also jump straight up and turn in midair
liveing in herds helps to protect impalas from predators. If the herd is attacked. the impala scatter in all directions

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