Impala | Aepyceros melampus

The posture and locomotion of the impala are graceful; it jumps vertically into the air with the fore and hind legs and seems to fly effortlessly over the plains. On the run, Impalas can reach high speeds and perform wide jumps with up to nine meters range. If they have to overcome an obstacle, they can even jump up to three meters high. Generally, however, they prefer cover rather than relying on their speed. Impalas are very gregarious or sociable antelopes, which join together in two herd forms. One group is made up of females and their cubs – up to 100 animals can come together here in one group. The cohesion is very high here, there is a leader that leads the herd. The other group is made up of male bachelors. If the herd of females feel safe, they divide into small groups. The task of the leader of the herd is to keep the females together. If a female ewe stays behind, the male ram runs after her and integrates her back into the herd.