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Impala Aepyceros Melampus

Animal Information Sheet

Impala are a medium-sized antelope, found in sub-Saharan Africa.

They have long,  lyrate horns with a black tuft of hair above the hoof.

Animal data

Impala Description

Impala have an unusual tuft of black hair covering a scent gland on the hind legs, above the hooves.
Impala are also known as the Mc Donald’s of Africa
Mass – 65kg (male) 45kg (female)
Horn Length – 50cm (average)
Shoulder Height – 90cm (male) 85cm (female)

Breeding

Prolific breeders – a single calf born after a gestation period of approx. 196 days.
During the mating season rams are extremely vocal, giving vent to growls, roars and shorts. Territorial during the “rut” which occurs from January to May.

Animal Info & FActs

Herd Strength
Usually up to 20 individuals but large breeding herds can number 100

Life Expectancy 
12 years

Diet
Browsers and grazers – dependent upon availability of water

Defense
Major enemies are the large predators (lion, leopard, cheetah) – harsh warning barking snorts are given – to escape their pursuers they employ a confusing, zig zag escape route, with sudden directional changes and exceptionally high leaps making it difficult for the pursuing attacker to strike