Some Amazing Facts About Impalas

The impala is a large antelope that lives in Africa. It has long legs and a short neck, but its head is quite big. Its fur is reddish-brown on top and white underneath. There are two kinds of impalas. One kind lives in the savannahs while the other kind lives in the forests. The forest impalas have bigger horns than the ones who live in the savannas. Impalas are herbivores that eat grasses, herbs, shrubs, trees, and even fruit-bearing vines. They have long tails and large heads. Their bodies are covered with thick hair called mane. Impalas can reach a length of 2 meters and weigh between 75 kg and 125 kg. There are three types of impalas: the plains impala (Aepyceros melampus), the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), and the Natal hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus natalensis). Impalas are herbivores that eat grasses and leaves. They are not true antelopes but have some similarities.

Their name comes from their large ears which look like they were designed to catch the wind. Males have horns that are used to fight each other. Females give birth to 1-2 young at a time. A baby impala grows fast. In just 10 weeks, it can reach adult size. Impala is large antelope that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds (680kg) and stand about 2 meters tall at the shoulder. They have long legs, short necks, and thick bodies. Their coats are usually brownish-gray or black. Male impalas have a mane around their neck and shoulders. Female impalas lack this mane. Impalas live in herds of 30 to 50 animals. In some areas, they live in herds of over 100 animals. Herds consist of both males and females. Young ones are born in spring and summer, but adults may give birth any time from March through June.

Impala are herbivores. They eat grass, herbs, shrubs, leaves, roots, bark, branches, and fruit. They supplement their diets with insects, small reptiles, and birds. Impalas reach sexual maturity at two years old. Males begin to develop their horns after four years. Females do not develop horns until they are five years old. Impalas spend much of their lives grazing. Because they need high levels of protein, impalas graze heavily throughout the day. This means they go without food for several hours between meals. Impalas use their sense of smell to find food. They use their tongues to probe into the ground and feel for tender shoots and fruits.

The name 'impala' comes from the Zulu word 'Inkulwana', meaning 'one who eats grass'. Impalas are browsers, eating leaves, twigs, flowers, fruit, bark, corms, buds, and seeds of various trees and shrubs. They prefer fresh green vegetation but will eat dry grass if necessary. A herd of impalas consists of about 20 individuals, including adult males, females, young bulls, and cows. Bulls average 1.5m long and weigh around 200kg. Cows are only 1.4m tall and weigh 100kg. Herds live in groups called clans, consisting of 2 to 5 families. Each family consists of 4 to 6 adults, plus calves and young offspring. The group size varies according to food availability and environmental conditions. If food is plentiful, herds may number up to 30 animals. Impalas are not territorial and do not form fixed home ranges. They move regularly between pastures and use different areas each day.