IMPALA

Herd of male impalas (Aepyceros melampus) in Nairobi National Park, Kenya (Aepyceros melampus), swift-running antelope, family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla), that is found in large herds, usually near water, on the savannas and open woodlands of central and southern Africa. Impalas are noted for their grace and their ability to jump; when alarmed, they bound off in leaps up to 9 m (30 feet) in length and 3 m high. A lightly built animal, the impala stands 75100 cm (29.539 inches) at the shoulder. It has a golden to reddish brown coat, white underparts, a vertical black stripe on each thigh, and a black tuft behind each hind hoof. The male has long, lyre-shaped horns.