Impala |
Impala(Mammal) |
Impala Baby |
Impala HabitsImpalas 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. |
Impala CommunicationMore dependent on vocal communication than most other antelope, the impala is capable of guttural grunts and roars that are audible up to a mile away. This is likely an adaptation to their tendency to utilize more closed environments. |
Impala BreedingThe 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.
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. |
Impala Food & 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. |
Impala Key Facts |
Size |
Height: Length: 55 in. Height to shoulder: 30-40 in. Length of Horns: 20-30 in |
Weight: 100-175 lb |
Breeding |
Sexual maturity: 13 months, but rarely until 2 years old |
Mating: Varies with area and climate |
Gestation: 6-7 months |
Number of young: 1 |
Lifestyle |
Habit: Sociable herds |
Diet: Grasses, herbs, and shrubs |
Lifespan: Up to 12 years in wild; 17 years in capitivity |
DID YOU KNOW?
|
CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR? CLICK HERE!!!