Impala proudly presenting the metatarsal glands. Of all the antelope in Southern Africa, impala are the only species to feature metatarsal glands above the hoof of the hind legs. The actual function of these glands is unknown. They are apparently activated when a running impala kicks up the hind legs. It has been proposed that the scent released from this gland may act as a chemical cue for other herd members to follow during a chase or may play a role in regrouping the herd afetr a chase. When a herd or even a small group of impala reacts to a threat from a predator and they scatter in all directions, they kick back their hind legs and release a scent which makes it easier to find each other again once the threat is over.
