Impalas Grazing (Aepyceros melampus)
Okavango Delta
Botswana
Southern Africa
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. It is the sole member of the genus Aepyceros. Two subspecies are recognised—the common impala, and the larger and darker black-faced impala.
Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. Three distinct social groups can be observed: the territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.
Browsers as well as grazers, impala feed on monocots, dicots, forbs, fruits and acacia pods. An annual, three-week-long rut takes place toward the end of the wet season, typically in May. Rutting males fight over dominance, and the victorious male courts female in oestrus. Gestation lasts six to seven months, following which a single calf is born and immediately concealed in cover. Calves are suckled for four to six months; young males—forced out of the all-female groups—join bachelor herds, while females may stay back.
The impala is found in woodlands and sometimes on the interface (ecotone) between woodlands and savannahs; it inhabits places close to water. The common impala is widespread across its range and has been reintroduced in Gabon and southern Africa. The (IUCN) classifies the impala as a species of least concern. – Wikipedia
Impalas Grazing (Aepyceros melampus)
Okavango Delta
Botswana
Southern Africa
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. It is the sole member of the genus Aepyceros. Two subspecies are recognised—the common impala, and the larger and darker black-faced impala.
Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. Three distinct social groups can be observed: the territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.
Browsers as well as grazers, impala feed on monocots, dicots, forbs, fruits and acacia pods. An annual, three-week-long rut takes place toward the end of the wet season, typically in May. Rutting males fight over dominance, and the victorious male courts female in oestrus. Gestation lasts six to seven months, following which a single calf is born and immediately concealed in cover. Calves are suckled for four to six months; young males—forced out of the all-female groups—join bachelor herds, while females may stay back.
The impala is found in woodlands and sometimes on the interface (ecotone) between woodlands and savannahs; it inhabits places close to water. The common impala is widespread across its range and has been reintroduced in Gabon and southern Africa. The (IUCN) classifies the impala as a species of least concern. – Wikipedia