IMPALA

Dancing with the Wind: Tanzania's Impala

The majestic impala, a symbol of grace and agility across Tanzania's golden savannas, captivates safari-goers with its elegant leaps and distinctive lyre-shaped horns. These beautiful antelopes, gathering in large herds that dot the landscape like moving brush strokes, embody the rhythmic pulse of Africa's wilderness and represent the delicate balance of life in the Serengeti ecosystem.

Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern, Abundant throughout Tanzania

Population: Estimated 2 million+ in Africa

Main Threats: Habitat loss and hunting

Social Structure

Bachelor Herds: Groups of non-territorial males

Breeding Herds: Females and young led by dominant males

Territorial Males: Solitary and defend territories

Fission-fusion society where groups merge and split regularly

Territory: Found in savanna woodlands and grasslands, Males maintain territories of 0.2-0.9 km², Prefer areas with shade trees and access to water

Diet: Primarily grazers but also browsers, Grass, leaves, herbs, shoots, and fruits, Selective feeders, choosing the most nutritious plant parts, Require regular access to water (drink daily)

Impala Identification

Appearance: Sleek, medium-sized antelope with reddish-brown coat, black vertical stripes on hindquarters and tail, white underbelly and chin, distinctive black "M" marking on rump, black tufts of hair on hind legs (metatarsal glands)

Males: Lyre-shaped horns (45-90 cm long) darker coloration, larger and more muscular, territorial and aggressive during rutting season

Females: No horns, lighter coloration, smaller build, live in herds with other females and young

Size

Adult Males: 53-76 kg (117-168 pounds), 75-92 cm (30-36 inches) at the shoulder

Females: 40-53 kg (88-117 pounds), 70-85 cm (28-33 inches) at the shoulder

Distinctions: Males are approximately 30% larger than females. Males also have distinctive lyre-shaped horns (which females lack completely), making the sexes easy to distinguish in the field.

Safari Viewing Tips

DO:

Use binoculars for better viewing
Look for large gatherings near water sources
Watch for distinctive leaping behavior when alarmed
Listen for alarm calls that signal predator presence

DON'T:

Don't feed impalas or any wildlife
Don't leave the safari vehicle in impala territory
Don't use flash photography, especially at night