Impala

[Flutterby]

The Common Impala is one of the most abundant antelopes in Africa, with about one-quarter of the population occurring in protected areas. Impalas are adaptable foragers. They usually switch between grazing and browsing depending on the season. Females and young form herds of up to two hundred individuals. When food is plentiful, adult males will establish territories. Females pass through the territories that have the best food resources. Territorial males round up any female herds that enter their grounds, and will chase away bachelor males that follow. They will even chase away recently-weaned males. A male impala tries to prevent any female from leaving his territory. During the dry seasons, territories are abandoned, as herds must travel farther to find food. Large, mixed tranquil herds of females and males form. Young male impalas who have been made to leave their previous herd form bachelor herds of around thirty individuals. Males that are able to dominate their herd are contenders for assuming control of a territory.

[Flutterby]

This impala (seen in the Pilanesberg on 3 July, 2012) had a very large tumour on its neck, but seemed healthy otherwise.

[Flutterby]

Ever seen a black impala?

[harrys]

Now I have

[nan]

black is beautiful
I saw a white one , will search

[Flutterby]

Wild Card Magazine
25/09/2012

Talk about adaptation! This impala from the Kruger National Park in South African is now a mobile home for a spider with the spider's web spun between the impala's two horns. The impala had the misfortune to walk into the spiders web, and it seems to have settled in for a permanent stay!

[Dewi]

A small herd of Impala on the alert after sensing danger nearby.

[Flutterby]

Posted by Belinda van der Merwe on FB and posted here with her permission.

What could have caused this?

[Jillinflorida]

The spider web one is very curious...those things get everywhere..... Impala are such a frequent sight in Kruger I hardly give them more than a passing glance after the first 2000 or so.. Shall have to take more notice from now on.

[Dewi]

Genetic deficiency?