Impala

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.

More 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.

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.

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.