Impala (lat.Aepyceros Melampus) - African artiodactyl mammal, belonging to the family of bovids (Bovidae). Currently, it is ranked as a group of antelopes, although previously some scientists mistakenly attributed it to the gazelles due to the graceful constitution of the body. The second species name of the impala is the Foamy Antelope. The animal owes this name to black tufts of wool growing on its hind legs.
General Description of Impala Antelope
Impala is a very famous antelope. Compared with relatives, it is of medium size, but its horns are very large, which is a characteristic feature of this species.
Among other antelopes, the impala stands out for its powerful and agile jumps. Their length can reach up to 10 meters and their height up to 3. In the process of moving in a straight line, the animal is capable of speeds up to 80 km / h, and along a zigzag path - up to 60 km / h.
According to scientists, the impala antelope is one of the most adaptable inhabitants of the savannah. The ability to change eating habits depending on seasonal conditions provides this species with high adaptability.
Impala has a lifespan of about 12 years in the wild and 20 in captivity.
Habitat
The black-headed antelope is endemic to the African continent. The main population is distributed in the southeastern part of the mainland, and in the southwest there is an isolated subspecies of impala. The range covers the territory from northeast South Africa to Angola, southern Zaire, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
Appearance and photo of the impala antelope
Aepyceros melampus has a slender, graceful body 120 to 160 cm long and 75 to 95 cm high at the withers. Females of this animal weigh about 30 kg and males weigh up to 65 kg. The legs of the impala are long and slender, with short hooves. On the hind limbs there are purulent glands covered with bunches of black hair.
Most of the body of the impala is covered with brown hair. On the upper parts, it has a brownish tint, and on the sides and legs the color is much lighter. Black marks may be present on the face, the location of which depends on the subspecies. The belly, throat and chin of the antelope are completely white. The lower side of the tail is painted in the same color, and on top it is covered with light brown wool with a thin black stripe in the middle. The same marks run vertically along the buttocks.
A characteristic feature of Aepyceros melampus is the huge lyre-shaped horns reaching a length of 90 cm. They are very thin and have very pronounced ridges. Horns are present exclusively in males, which is the main sign of sexual dimorphism of this species. There is also a slight difference in size (males are slightly larger).
Lifestyle and behavior
Impala antelope is an animal with 24-hour activity, the peak of which occurs in the morning and evening. During the day there is an alternation of grazing and rest. About once a day, impalas go to a watering place. During hours of intense heat, animals usually hide in the shade of shrubs.
Most impalas lead a collective lifestyle. These antelopes have 3 types of groups:
- female herds with young animals (from 10 to 100 individuals);
- male herds - gather from young, old and weak individuals;
- mixed herds.
Strong adult males lead a solitary lifestyle during the rutting season, determining the territory they carefully guard. During the breeding season, the female herds passing through such a site become the harem of its owner.
The territories occupied by groups of females and young animals are quite extensive and cover several zones controlled by different males. Between the latter, there are often clashes for the right to become the owner of a harem. In this case, two individuals become opposite each other and push using horns. The loser is the animal who stepped back. In the period of the year when mating does not occur, males unite in bachelor groups.
Mixed herds are created during migration associated with the dry season. Such groups include males and females of different ages. Upon arrival in a new territory, strong males reassemble themselves and equip their possessions.
Nutrition
Impala is a typical ruminant. The basis of its diet is grass, however, when the amount of the latter is reduced, the antelope switches to other food sources (tree bark, flowers, fruits, plant stems and buds, seeds). This flexibility of eating behavior provides impala survival during a drought. After the rainy season, when the savannah is covered with fresh herbs, the black-headed antelope switches to a diet consisting mainly of grass (94%).
In addition to the availability of food sources, the necessary condition for the survival of impalas is constant access to water. Drinking in these animals should occur regularly. However, if there is enough succulent grass, the black-headed antelope can do without a nearby water source.
Reproduction
The breeding season for impalas begins in May, when the rainy season ends, and lasts a month. At this time, the males that equipped the territory fertilize the females that are within their possession.
Pregnancy lasts from 6.5 to 7 months (194 - 200 days). Then one cub is born (very rarely two). This usually happens in spring or autumn. On the eve of childbirth, the females leave the herd, but return after a few weeks. During this time, the cub has time to grow and get stronger.
In the team, babies are kept in separate groups, approaching mothers only in case of danger or for feeding. Lactation in females lasts about 6 months, and then the cubs switch to self-feeding.