Appearance

Impala are most noticeable as a result of their curved horns which are only present on males. These are coloured black, ridged and can grow to be 90cm (35.5in) long.

The impala has red-brown fur. On their belly, chin, lips, inner ears, tail and a line above the eyes are white. Down the tail across the forehead, the thighs and the tips of the ears are black.

Males grow to be 75-92cm (30-36in) tall at the shoulder with females being slightly shorter at 70-85cm (28-33in). From the head to the start of the tail both males and females measure 120-160cm (47-63in). The bushy tail adds 30-45cm (12-18in) to this length.

An average impala weighs 40-65kg (88-145lb)

Diet

Impalas are herbivores. This species is readily adaptable to its environment switching back and forth from being a grazer and a browser as the seasons change. They will feed on grasses, herbs, shrubs, shoots, bushes, fruits and acacia pods. Their preferred source of food is grass.

When searching for water the impala prefers to drink water from lakes or rivers. If this is not an option though they can get their moisture needs from green vegetation.

Range

Africa is the native home of the impala. Here they can be found throughout Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It has also been introduced to Gabon.

In Burundi this species has been driven to extinction.

Habitat

They inhabit woodland with small amounts of undergrowth and grassland. Their territory is normally near a water source.