Meet the Impala Antelope
The Impala (Aepyceros melampus) is one of the most graceful and commonly seen antelopes in the savannas and grasslands of East and Southern Africa. Known for their sleek reddish-brown coats, white underbellies, and striking black markings, these agile animals are built for speed and agility, capable of leaping over 10 feet high and covering distances of up to 30 feet in a single bound to escape predators like lions and cheetahs. Impalas are social creatures, often found in large herds, which provides safety in numbers. They are also highly adaptable grazers and browsers, switching between grasses and shrubs depending on the season. Males, known as rams, grow distinctive lyre-shaped horns, which they use in dramatic battles for dominance during mating season. As a keystone species, impalas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems, serving as an important food source for many of Africa’s top predators.
Park Location: Safari Park Drive-thru
About the Impala Antelope
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Height | 28 – 36 Inches at the Shoulder (70 – 92 cm) |
| Horn Length | 18 – 36 Inches (45 – 92 cm) |
| Weight | 88 – 168 lbs (40 – 76 kg) |
| Diet | The diet comprises monocots, dicots, forbs, fruits and acacia pods (whenever available). |
| Gestation Period | 6 – 7 Months |
| Life Span | 17 Years 4 |
| Threats | Though there are no major threats to the survival of the common impala, poaching and natural calamities have significantly contributed to the decline of the black-faced impala. |
