Impala
(pronounced "Im-paul-a")
Last Update 2014
The Impala ranged from South Africa to Kenya, Namibia to Mozambique with the black-faced impala
occurring in North-Western Namibia and South-Western Angola. Impala graze on grass as well as
shrubs and bushes. It has reddish-brown upper parts becoming paler to the sides. The underside has
white with a black line extending down each buttock. Behind the hind legs and above the hoof there is
a tuft of black hair that covers the fetlock gland. When the Impala kicks off with a high jump this
gland sends out a scent which is thought to be used for laying trails to regroup with herds.
Shoulder Height: 30 – 37 inches
Male Weight: 88 – 170 pounds
Female Weight: 66 – 110 pounds
Horns: straight up
Avg Horn Length: 18 – 36 inches
In southern Africa rutting season starts at the end of the rainy season in May and lasts three weeks. In
East Africa the season continues for most of the year. Gestation period is 7 months and Impala are
known to delay birth up to a month if conditions are not favorable. The ewe reaches sexual
maturity at 13 months while the ram reaches it at 16 months of age.