IMPALA, BLACK
The Black Impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) is a medium-sized colour variant of the Common Impala. Characterised by its slender build, short, curved horns in males, and a distinctive black coat with white underparts and facial markings. Impalas are known for their agility and are often seen in herds, grazing on grass and leaves. They are highly social animals, famous for their impressive leaps and bounds when fleeing predators.
Distribution: Eastern and Southern Africa.
Size: A medium-sized antelope
Weight: 100 – 180lb / 63 kg
Shoulder Height: 33 – 38’’ / 83 – 96 cm
Horns: Males only have lyre-shaped horns, incline inwards and upwards at tips. Heavily ridged up to smooth tips.
Habitat: Open woodlands, close to permanent water.
Habits: Impala are primarily diurnal, active during the day, and often graze in the early morning and late afternoon. They are highly social, living in herds that can range from a few individuals to over a hundred. Impalas are alert and agile, using their speed and impressive leaps to escape predators. They primarily feed on grass, leaves, and shoots, and they also engage in social behaviours, such as grooming and play. During the breeding season, males establish territories and engage in displays to attract females.
Hunting Tips: Common and relatively easy to hunt. During the rutting season males can clearly be heard grunting and horn rattling. The herd male is often on its own and behind the females. It is difficult to hunt these animals in large herds.
Trophy Information
Good Horn Length: 22’’
Record Book
SCI Min. - 52
SCI Min. Bow - 46
Rowland Ward Min. - 23 6/8
World Record 31 3/8
SCI Measurement Method: 1
Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 5
Species & Subspecies Information
Species: 1 - Impala
Subspecies: 5 – Southern or South African Impala, Nyasaland or Johnston’s Impala, Black faced or Angolan Impala, Katangan Impala and East African Impala.
Colour Variants: Common Impala, Black Impala, Saddle-backed Impala, White-flanked Impala and White Impala.
