Impalas are medium-sized antelopes usually found in the savannas and thicker bush-lands in southern parts of the African continent. Impalas are members of the Bovidae family. They are related to goats, sheep and cattle. They have long legs and necks.
Impala are covered with reddish or brown hair and black and white markings. The hair in their ears and around their eyes is white. Rams use their horns for defense against predators and other male impalas. Female impalas, called ewes, do not have horns. Male impalas secrete a scent from a gland on their foreheads to communicate their status to rival impalas. When a male impala loses his rank, he produces less scent. Male impalas fight for territory and status during the mating season, using their horns as weapons.
Older impala males claim mating territories and herd females that they guard against rival impalas. The male impala must fight off any challengers, while continuously herding and mating with his females. Competing males who loose their attempt to take over the territory usually retreat to join a bachelor herd.
Impalas are among the most adaptable animals in the African savanna. Unsuccessful bids to take over a male's territory usually end with the loser retreating to join a bachelor herd. Females typically give birth about seven months after they mate, usually to a single impala. Both mother and baby join a herd of females and offspring within a few days. All rights reserved. Common Name: Impala. Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus. Type: Mammals. Diet: Herbivore.
Size: Height at the shoulder: 33 to 39 inches. Weight: 88 to pounds. Size relative to a 6-ft man:. Least concern. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Stable. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email. Go Further. A surprised impala herd will leap about in what appears to be a disorganized way. However, this reaction helps keep the herd together and is also an anti-predator technique. Initially, an individual impala leaps up, casting about from left to right, bringing individuals into contact with each other. High jumps also allow impalas to release signals from the fetlock scent gland in midair, easier for a rapidly running impala to pick up.
Young are born year-round, but birth peaks usually coincide with the rains. The female leaves the herd and seeks a secluded spot to bear her fawn. If the fawn is born at a time when there are few other young around, then the mother will stay with it in seclusion for a few days, or even a week or more before returning to the herd. If there are many other fawns, she may take hers back to the herd in a day or two, where a nursery group may form.
Nursery groups are safer because predators have more difficulty selecting an individual. The young are suckled for four to six months and reach maturity at a little over a year. Able to both graze and browse, the impala has a greater and more reliable food supply than animals that do either one or the other. It eats young grass shoots in the rainy season and herbs and shrubs at other times.
Unleash more canine heroes to save elephants. Donate now. Learn how we're protecting Africa's species each and every day so we never have to live in a world without elephants, rhinos, and other precious wildlife. Breadcrumb Wildlife Conservation Impala. What is an impala? Scientific name. Aepyceros melampus. About 1 meter tall 28 to 36 inches.
0コメント