Species Overview
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Aepyceros
Species: Aepyceros melampus
Life Span: 12–15 years (in the wild)
Weight: 40–75 kg (88–165 lbs)
Height: 0.8–1 meter (2.6–3.3 feet) at the shoulder
Length: 1.3–1.5 meters (4.3–5 feet) from head to tail
Animal Behavior and Habits
Activity: Diurnal – Impalas, including the White Flank variety, are most active during the day. They graze in the early morning and late afternoon, resting during the heat of midday.
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous – Impalas are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, herbs, and tender shoots. During dry periods, they will browse on shrubs.
Social Structure: Social – Impalas are highly social animals, typically found in herds ranging from 10 to 100 individuals. Herds are generally led by dominant males, with females and juveniles forming the core. Bachelor males often form separate groups outside the breeding season.
Behavioral Traits: Known for their agility, White Flank Impalas are exceptional jumpers, capable of leaping over 10 meters (33 feet) in a single bound to escape predators. They are quick to alert the herd to danger with high-pitched alarm calls.
Habitat and Environment
Preferred Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and woodland edges – White Flank Impalas prefer open terrain with access to water, but they are also found in areas with some tree cover for shade.
Water Sources: Frequent water users – Impalas drink daily, typically near rivers, streams, or watering holes.
Best Hunting Locations: Look for White Flank Impalas in open savannas or woodlands with plenty of grassy areas, especially where water sources are abundant. They tend to graze during early mornings and late afternoons, often seeking cover in denser areas during midday heat.
Tracks and Trails: Impala tracks are small, oval-shaped, with two distinct hoofprints. They leave tracks along game trails, open grasslands, and near watering holes.
Signs: Look for grazing signs, such as flattened patches of grass. Impalas also leave tracks in soft soil or mud, especially near water sources.
Hunting Time
Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning and late afternoon – These are the most active times for Impalas, particularly for grazing and drinking at waterholes.
Breeding Season: Impalas have a seasonal rut during the rainy season. Dominant males compete for the right to mate with females, and the mating occurs in groups.
Trophy Quality: Trophy hunters seek mature male Impalas with impressive, well-formed horns. The horns curve backward and spiral upward with an elegant “S” shape, making them highly prized in the hunting world.
Use of Scent Lures: While scent lures are not commonly used for Impalas, hunters rely on tracking and spotting them in open areas, particularly during the dawn and dusk hours when they are most active.
Special Notes
Coloration and the “White Flank Impala” Variation: The White Flank Impala is known for its distinct, lighter coat coloration. While typical Impalas have a reddish-brown hue, the White Flank variety stands out with pale, creamy or white markings along their flanks and a slightly lighter underbelly. These unique markings make them easily identifiable and are highly valued by hunters for their striking appearance.
Rarity: The White Flank coloration is a genetic variation within the regular Impala population. While not as rare as other color mutations, it is still considered a unique and sought-after trophy.
Social Behavior: White Flank Impalas exhibit the same social structure as typical Impalas, forming herds led by dominant males. However, the distinct markings of the White Flank males may make them stand out during the breeding season when competing for dominance within the herd.
