- Common Names: Impala
- Swahili Name: Swala pala
- Maasai Name: Entarakwet
- Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus
- Size:
- Head-Body Length: 205 cm / 81″
- Shoulder Height: 90 cm / 35″
- Gestation: 28 weeks
- IUCN Status: Least Concern. Impala populations are stable across much of their range, with a wide distribution throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including protected areas like the Masai Mara.
Recognition and Appearance
The Impala is one of Africa’s most graceful and recognizable antelope. Its slim, elegant frame is adorned with a tan-colored upper body, a lighter tan layer below, and a white belly. Characteristic two narrow vertical black stripes run down its rear, while the white tail features a black stripe along its length. Only males display the ornate, lyre-shaped horns which can grow up to 90 cm / 35″ long.
Habits and Behavior
Impala are diurnal and highly social animals, often found in large herds that offer safety in numbers. These herds usually consist of females (ewes) and their young (fawns), known collectively as a harem, which is dominated by a single prime male, or ram. A dominant male holds control over the harem for two to three months, during which he fends off rivals and has exclusive mating rights.
During the breeding season, or rut, the dominant ram aggressively herds females, emitting barked snorts as he tests their readiness to mate. He uses his curled lips to sample their scent, a behavior called flehmen, to detect if they are in oestrus. This is a critical period, as the strongest genes are passed on, ensuring the herd’s vitality.
As the male focuses on mating, he often weakens, and eventually, a new male may take over. Subordinate males remain nearby in bachelor herds, waiting for their chance to challenge for dominance. After a couple of months of continuous mating, chasing, and fighting, the dominant male may exhibit dark eye patches—a sign of his fatigue.
Diet and Adaptability
Impala are adaptable feeders that shift between grazing and browsing, depending on the season. When grass is green, they graze, but during the dry season, they switch to browsing leaves and shoots. This adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of environments, particularly at the edges of wooded savanna and riverine woodlands.
Survival Strategies
Impala are a favored prey species for many predators, including leopard, cheetah, and wild dogs, though they are often too fast for lions and hyenas. Impala are agile sprinters, capable of impressive leaps up to 10 meters (35 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) high. When threatened, they scatter in all directions, leaping dramatically to confuse predators.
Another interesting defense mechanism is the scent glands located on the back of their legs, which release a strong odor as they flee. This scent helps individuals regroup with their herd once the danger has passed.
Reproduction and Calves
Impala females can delay birthing by up to a month if environmental conditions are poor, ensuring the calf has the best chance for survival. After birth, the fawns remain hidden in long grass for a week before joining the herd. The young often form crèches, where they are watched over by females in the herd.
Where to Find in Masai Mara
Impala are abundant in the Masai Mara, where they thrive in the border areas between woodland and grassland. Their large herds are often encountered on game drives, and their adaptable feeding habits allow them to graze on a wide variety of vegetation.
Conservation Status
The Impala is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their wide distribution across Africa and their adaptability to different habitats make them a relatively secure species. However, local threats such as habitat destruction and competition with livestock can impact populations in certain regions.
Interesting Facts
- The black stripes on the rear are believed to help with herd cohesion during flight from predators.
- Males with the largest horns are more successful in holding harems and passing on their genes.
- Their impressive leaping ability allows them to navigate challenging terrain and avoid predators with ease.
Impala remain one of the most commonly encountered and fascinating species on safari, offering visitors stunning displays of agility, grace, and social complexity in the wild.