Impala Common

Average mass for an Impala is approximately 75 kilograms. They are reddish-brown in color (hence the Afrikaans name of ""Rooibok""), have lighter flanks and white underbellies with a characteristic ""M"" marking on its rear. Males have lyre-shaped horns which can reach up to 90 centimeters in length. Impala are among the dominant species in many savannas. They can adapt to different environment by being grazers in some areas and browsers in others. They graze when the grass is green and growing and browse at other times. They will browse on shoots, seedpods and foliage.

Herds will use specific areas for their excrement. Impala are active during both day and night and are dependent on water. A herd is normally an indicator of water close by. Impala can thrive in areas where pure grazers can not survive. When frightened or startled the whole impala herd starts leaping about in order to confuse their predator. They can jump distances more than 9 meters (30 ft) and 2.5 meters (8 ft) high. Leopards, cheetah, Nile crocodiles, lions, spotted hyenas and wild dogs prey on impala.