Monday, September 22, 2014

Creature Feature #338: Impala

The Impala is a medium-sized antelope found in the open savannah of eastern Africa, generally not far from water. His diet consists of a variety of plant matter, either browsing or grazing depending on conditions. Impala are an important prey animal, and feature on the menus of lions and other big cats, hyenas and wild dogs. To survive, he must always be alert and wary of danger. If alarmed, he can jump to heights of 3m, bounding over bushes and even other Impala, covering distances of up to 10m in a single leap. During the dry season, he will often intermix with others of his species, but with the wet season and the start of breeding, he may begin defending a territory. Younger males form bachelor herds. Territorial males will attempt to control any female herds that wander through his territory, whilst sending any potential rivals swiftly on their way.

No comments: