# African Gazelles (DD-138)

> The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope of eastern and southern Africa. It has a reddish-brown coat, and only males carry the lyre-shaped horns. Females and young form herds, and males compete for territories in the breeding season. Impalas are famous leapers, jumping up to about 3 m high and 10 m long, and they snort to warn of predators. They both graze and browse. Though often called gazelles, impalas belong to their own tribe, Aepycerotini, not the gazelle genus. The footage shows impalas running and leaping, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature
- First published: 2023-12-23
- Last updated: 2023-12-23
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/african-gazelles/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-138-F01**: The impala is an African antelope. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Antelope))_
- **DD-138-F02**: Only males have lyre-shaped horns. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Lyre horns))_

## Write-up

An impala can leap about 10 m in a single bound. Impalas aren't true gazelles.

1. **Antelope**: The impala is an African antelope.
2. **Lyre horns**: Only males have lyre-shaped horns.
3. **Herds**: Females and young form herds.
4. **Leaps**: Impalas leap up to about 3 m high and 10 m long.
5. **Not a gazelle**: Impalas aren't true gazelles.

## Related case files

- [Lucky Stripe (DD-101)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/lucky-stripe/): I paired it with more African wildlife
- [Fast Cats (DD-136)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/fast-cats/): I linked the cat that hunts them
- [Graceful Giants (DD-135)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/graceful-giants/): I linked another savanna grazer

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The title says gazelles, but impalas aren't gazelles; they're in their own tribe, Aepycerotini.
- **Note**: 'A glossy black patch on their tails': impalas have black stripes on the tail and rump rather than a single patch.
- **Note**: 'Grazing on grasses': impalas both graze and browse.

## Video: African Gazelles: An Impala Can Leap About 10 m in a Single Bound

- Duration: 38.5 s · Published: 2023-12-23
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1OKPs1Nw93.mp4

### Transcript

Impalas, native to various African regions, are characterized by their reddish brown coat, distinctive lyre-shaped horns in males, and a glossy black patch on their tails. DID YOU KNOW? They form herds with intricate social structures, primarily consisting of females and their offspring, while males join during the breeding season. Renowned for their remarkable leaping ability, Impalas can execute impressive jumps, covering up to 33 feet, and clearing obstacles over 9 feet in height. They communicate through vocalizations such as snorts, grunts, and alarm barks, to alert the herd to potential dangers. As herbivores, Impalas sustain themselves by grazing on grasses, showcasing adaptability and resilience in their natural habitats. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What kind of animal is an impala?**  
A: African. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Antelope) · Wikipedia: Impala)_

**Q: Which impalas have horns?**  
A: Lyre-shaped. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Lyre horns) · Wikipedia: Impala)_

**Q: Who forms herds?**  
A: Males compete for territory. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Herds) · Wikipedia: Impala)_

**Q: How far can impalas leap?**  
A: And about 3 m high. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Leaps) · Wikipedia: Impala)_

**Q: Are impalas true gazelles?**  
A: Their own tribe. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Not a gazelle) · Wikipedia: Impala)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Impala](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impala)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "African Gazelles." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-138, last updated Dec 23, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/african-gazelles/