# Impala (*Aepyceros melampus*) The impala is a graceful antelope that loves to leap and run. They are known for their beautiful reddish-brown coats and can often be seen in groups in the savanna. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Savannas ![Impala](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Aepyceros_melampus_-_001.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mutari, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aepyceros_melampus_-_001.jpg) ## Appearance The Impala has a sleek, reddish-brown coat with distinct white underparts and a white stripe above each eye. Its hindquarters feature bold black stripes that frame a white rump. Males are easily identified by their long, lyre-shaped horns, which can grow over two feet. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Aepyceros ## Interesting facts - An impala can clear a 10-meter gap in a single jump! - Baby impala are all born within just a few weeks of each other! - Male impala horns grow up to 90 centimeters long! - They can actually change their diet depending on the season! ## Special abilities - **Leap of Faith:** Impala can jump up to 3 meters high and 10 meters long because of strong leg muscles, helping them escape predators. - **Zigzag Zip:** Impala can run at 90 km/h and make sudden turns because of their agility, confusing predators during a chase. - **Alarm Call Relay:** Impala has a loud "snort" call that helps them warn other impala and nearby animals of danger. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 120-160 cm - **Weight:** 40-76 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-15 years - **Speed:** 90 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1 - **Gestation:** 194-200 days ## Diet & Feeding This antelope is a flexible eater, munching on grasses in wet times and leaves when it's dry. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Leaves, Shoots, Fruit, Acacia pods - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Lion (*Panthera leo*) — Apex predator of impala. - **Eaten by:** [Leopard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leopard) (*Panthera pardus*) — Silent hunter, often preys on impala. - **Eaten by:** Cheetah (*Acinonyx jubatus*) — Fast hunter, chases down impala. - **Eaten by:** [African Wild Dog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/african-wild-dog) (*Lycaon pictus*) — Hunts in packs for impala. - **Eats:** Umbrella Thorn Acacia (*Acacia tortilis*) — Impala browse its leaves and pods. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Savanna](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/savanna): This habitat trait denotes species native to savannas, which are grasslands with scattered trees, typically found in tropical or subtropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always watch animals from a safe distance and never try to touch or chase them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Impala? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Impala? 120-160 cm ### How much does Impala weigh? 40-76 kg ### How long does Impala live? 12-15 years ### How fast can Impala move? 90 km/h ### What does Impala eat? This antelope is a flexible eater, munching on grasses in wet times and leaves when it's dry. ### Where is Impala usually found? Savannas ### How does Impala hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Opel-Zoo Kronberg](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/opel-zoo-kronberg) — Hessen, DE · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Impala: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/impala)