About
The Impala or Rooibok is a medium-sized antelope found in Eastern and Southern Africa. The Impala is one of the most common and graceful of all of Africa’s antelopes. A slender, agile creature, it can clear formidable obstacles running at speeds faster than 37 mph (60km/h). They are deft runners who can leap up to 32 ft (10m) long and 10 ft (3m) high. They use their tremendous speed and agility to avoid predation, and also seemingly, for fun. Males are known as rams, while females are hornless and referred to as ewes. Male impalas have Lyre-shaped, ringed horns which can measure up to 2.4 ft (75cm) long. The male’s horns can take many years to reach full length, which is why young animals are unlikely to establish a dominant position or breeding territory. Male impalas produce a scent from a gland on their foreheads to advertise their status to rivals. When they lose their rank, a male produces less scent. Males will fight for status and territory throughout the mating season, using their antlers as weapons. Most young impala are born around midday as this is the safest time to give birth, since most of their enemies are resting. Half of newborn are killed by predators within the first few weeks of life. The name ‘Impala’ come from the Zulu language meaning ‘gazelle’.
― In-game description