Unsung heroes

Impalas are such graceful and agile antelopes, yet often overlooked because they are plentiful. They are incredible athletes – and they need to be to evade lions, leopards, and hyenas. They can leap distances of up to 10 meters (33 feet) and jump as high as 3 metres (nearly 10 feet) in a single bound.

Impalas are social animals, often found in herds that can range from a few individuals to several hundred. Their social structure is characterized by a dominance hierarchy among males, especially during the breeding season when they compete for females through displays of strength and agility. If you’ve never heard male impalas roar during the rutting season it will come as quite a surprise.

While impalas are well-adapted to their environment, they require a consistent source of water to thrive. They are known to drink daily, especially during the dry season which has been at its zenith. Impalas typically graze early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and they often travel to nearby water sources, such as rivers or pans, to quench their thirst.

Notice this impala has an opportunistic oxpecker in his ear! The oxpecker seizes the moment when the impala’s head is still to harvest earwax. Earwax is rich in fats and nutrients, making it a good food source for oxpeckers.

If you’re hunting for light it’s a good idea to position yourself at a scenic spot near water and wait for both the light and animals to appear. Often the subject to appear is impalas, as it was with this series of photos.

November is usually when the first of the season’s impala lambs are born, an event that we eagerly anticipate and rejoice in. During the lambing season, which typically runs to January, impala ewes often gather to create nurseries for their young. We’ll fill you in on their antics in the coming months.

Although impala lambs are common targets for predators, about 50% manage to survive until they reach breeding age, which is relatively good for such vulnerable animals.

Contributing to their success story is the fact that they have a versatile diet, allowing them to thrive in their environment. Unlike some other antelope species that are more selective, impalas eat a mix of grass, leaves, fruits, and pods, depending on seasonal availability.

In essence these darlings of the bush are not only remarkable for their beauty and agility but also for their adaptability to the challenges of the environment.