The impala is so ubiquitous in many areas in Africa that it's the primary prey of most of the predators.
One of our guides observed, "They're the McDonalds of the Africa wilds because all the large predators
eat them. They even have a big M on their butt."






From Wikipedia: An impala is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. The sole member of the genus Aepyceros,
it was first described by German zoologist Martin Hinrich Carl Lichtenstein in 1812. Two subspecies are recognised—the common impala,
and the larger and darker black-faced impala. The impala reaches 70–92 centimetres (28–36 inches) at the shoulder and weighs 40–76 kg
(88–168 lb). It features a glossy, reddish brown coat. The male's slender, lyre-shaped horns are 45–92 centimetres (18–36 inches) long.

Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. Three distinct social
groups can be observed: the territorial males, bachelor herds and female herds. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that
constitute an anti-predator strategy. Browsers as well as grazers, impala feed on monocots, dicots, forbs, fruits and acacia pods
(whenever available). An annual, three-week-long rut takes place toward the end of the wet season, typically in May. Rutting males fight over
dominance, and the victorious male courts female in oestrus. Gestation lasts six to seven months, following which a single calf is born
and immediately concealed in cover. Calves are suckled for four to six months; young males—forced out of the all-female groups—join
bachelor herds, while females may stay back.




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