Impala is a type of antelope that is only found in the African continent. It’s a medium-sized antelope that looks like a mix between a goat and deer. It has long legs, necks and black, and twisted horns.
The female impala is similar to the male impala. The major difference is that female impalas lack horns unlike the males
Scientific name | Aepyceros melampus |
Weight | 40- 60 kgs |
Height | 100 cms (average) |
Length | 120-150 cms |
Life expectancy | 12-15 years (wild) |
IUCN Status | Least concern |
Reproduction
- Pregnancy lasts seven months and ends with one child. Female leaves the crowd toward the end of pregnancy and hide its baby barely any days after birth (when it is still extremely frail).
- Impala are usually born around noontime as this is the most secure time to conceive since a large number of their enemies are resting. Still, predators kill half of the new-born within the first few weeks of life.
- Main predators of impala are lions, African hunting dog, cheetah, leopard, hyenas and pythons.
Ecology and adaptation
- Impala is herbivore (plant-eaters) which eats grass, herbs, bushes and leaves on the trees. Impala additionally eats acacia pods and fruits. Impala have the ability of being both a grazer and browser.
- Impalas make seasonal migrations from high to lower ground according to the availability of food
- The impala shows two characteristic leaps-it can jump up to 3 meters (9.8 ft), over vegetation and even over another impala. It covers distances of up to 10 meters (33 ft); the other kind of jump include, a series of increases in which the animal lands on its forelegs, move its rear legs mid-air in a kicking design, arrives on each of the fours and afterwards bounce back. The jumps may appear uncoordinated, but they are actually an anti-predatory technique
- Impala lives in crowds made out of creatures of just one sex. Size and sort of the group rely upon the climate conditions and availability of food.
- Impala produces barks-like sounds to alarm other members of the herd in the case of danger.
- Horns are used for protection against predators and in the battles for dominance in the herd. The horns in males may be as long as 90 cm long.
Impalas face a serious conservation challenge as they are often hunted for game and bushmeat. Furthermore, habitat fragmentation is causing impalas to lose their homes.
