Impala

Species

There are two subspecies of impala.

Aepyceros melampus melampus
Aepyceros melampus petersi

Common impala
Black faced impala

Population

The common impala was assessed in 2016 by the IUCN as Least Concern, with numbers of 2 million. However, the black faced impala is classified as vulnerable with only 3,000 to 4,000 individuals (as at 2016).

Size

Impala are medium sized antelope weighing between 45 and 60 kg. They are almost 1 metre tall.

Habitat & distribution

Impala live in woodland areas with little undergrowth and low to medium grasslands. The common impala is found in 10 countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya down to the northeast of South Africa.
The black faced impala is only found in parts of Namibia and Angola.

What antelope is that?

It can be hard to differentiate an impala from a gazelle or springbok.
Impalas have S-shaped horns that can measure 45-91 cm. Only the males have horns.
Impala also have scent glands above the heel on the hindlegs that are covered by a patch of black hair.
There is no stripe on the side on an impala.

Diet

Impalas are ruminants. The mainly graze on grass but will also browse on leaves and wood (especially in the dry season). They are diurnal animals and at night they ruminate while lying down.

Interesting facts

Impalas place their young in creches so they can play, groom and move around together.
Impalas do not migrate. They change their eating habits from grazing on grass to browsing on leaves.

Group

In the wet season, impala form distinct social groups.
1) territorial males with and without breeding females
2) bachelor herds (non-territorial males and juvenile males)
3) breeding females and juveniles less than four years old.
In the dry season, groups are mixed. Clans of females can number 15 to 100 individuals.

Breeding & lifespan

Gestation is just over 6 months. Impala breed once a year and one calf is born at a time.
Impala can live to 15 years in the wild.

Predators & threats

Predators include lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and hunting dogs.
Humans are also a predator - impala are the most commonly hunted antelope on safaris and the second most hunted for biltong (a type of dried meat product). Human activity also threatens impala - roads segment habitats making it harder for impala to move between areas to feed and breed.