Where does the impala live?
The impala lives in eastern and southern Africa. The common impala inhabits grasslands, while the black-faced impala, larger and darker, lives in slightly drier scrubland. In southern Africa it is tied to mopane and acacia woodlands. It avoids areas of tall grass, where predators could hide. It is a medium-sized antelope with a glossy, reddish-brown coat, and the only living member of its genus.
What does the impala eat?
The impala is both a browser and a grazer: it eats grasses, flowering plants, fruit and acacia pods when available. It is mainly active by day, and depending on climate and region it is gregarious or territorial. Three social groups can be seen: territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The rut lasts three weeks, toward the end of the wet season, usually in May.
Is the impala endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It even sometimes benefits from elephants: by thinning woodland into shrubland, they give it more browse in the dry season.
