Impala

scientific name

Aepyceros melampus

size

Height. male 36" " female 34"
Length. male 56" " female 50"
Tail. 12"
Weight. males 176 lbs. " female 100 lbs.

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. 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 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

Africa Savanna