Impala
scientific name
Aepyceros melampus
size/weight/height
Height: male 36" " female 34"
Length: male 56" " female 50"
Tail: 12"
Weight: males 176 lbs. " female 100 lbs.
adaptations/coloration
Color: light mahogany with fawn flanks " underside white " tail & thighs black vertical stripes " hind legs black glandular tufts
Horns: males only
behavior
Defense: great leaps when alarmed " usually seek shelter in shrubbery & forests
Forage: graze on grass " browse on leaves
Group: large during dry season " often includes males & females " males generally leave before breeding age " during wet season herd breaks up into groups of 15-25 females " territorial males attempt to control female groups by entering their territory - males fight & frequently utter loud, hoarse grunts (serious injuries rare)
Movement. active morning & afternoon " alternately feed & rest
reproduction/life span
Birth. all year " concentrated in rainy season
Cycle. closely related to rainfall pattern " may be synchronized with moon phase
Gestation. ~171 days
diet
Wild. flowers, grass, leaves, & seeds
Zoo. alfalfa hay & oats
habitat/range
open woodland " sandy bush country " acacia savanna " Central & Southern Africa
status
not listed " two species - one is endangered
oregon zoo exhibit