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Wildlife: Mammals - Impala 2/3

Amphibians | Birds | Mammals | Reptiles | Wildlife

Aepyceros Melampus Melampus, Impala, Rooibok, Impala.

Description
The impala is active during the day when it feeds. During the breeding season, territorial rams are continually active. The impala lives in herds containing up to 200 individuals. More common however are herds sizing 6 to 50 impala. The females and young animals live in so-called breeding herds, usually containg some adult males. Between July and January adult males tend to live in bachelor groups. Due to testosterone levels these bachelor groups will fragment in January and figthing becomes more frequent and fierce. Young males will leave bachelor groups to form their own territory of 5 to 8 hectares by April, removing all other males from the area. Territory holders will claim their territory by sounds and by urinating on trees. When feeding in the bush there will always be an individual responsible for predator detection.

Intruders in male territories are attacked. Fights involve charges and wrestling with locked horns. The fights are short but extremely serious. Injuries and deaths are not uncommon. Losers are pursued and gored in the flanks if overtaken. Territory advertisement, defence and mating occupy so much time that territory holders have no time to feed, thus losing condition and being replaced by new individuals. When mating a male will mount a female and will continue in 10 second periods. Impala in Kruger National Park will be seen often since they do not have fear for animals that are not predatory to them. 

Field Signs
Dung pellets are 1.5 centimetres long, tapered at one end, blunt or hollow at the other.

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