November at Londolozi is an exciting time of the year. Some of the more noticeable highlights include the first summer rain storms, the return of migratory birds such as the woodland kingfisher and the sudden arrival of hundreds of new-born impala lambs.
The impala lambing season seems to represent the official start of summer. In a matter of weeks the many impala herds dotted around the reserve almost double in size – and that’s no coincidence. Impalas are by far the most prevalent antelope species at Londolozi and that is partly due to their breeding strategy. I decided to read up on the matter and highlight everything you need to know about their lambing season and how it influences the behaviour of other animals, especially the predators.
Within a matter of days the bush is flooded with a whole lot of new impalas.
The thing that initially caught my interest about the seemingly ubiquitous impala is the question: what exactly makes them so successful?
Part of the the reason why impalas dominate the landscape here is that their birthing strategy ensures a relatively large proportion of them go on to survive to adulthood. It is estimated that roughly 50% of impala lambs will survive their first year, which is impressive considering how vulnerable antelope in particular are during their first year of life. Once the impalas have survived their first year, their chance of making it through to an age where they are then able to reproduce increases significantly. With a strategy like this, it’s no surprise to learn that impala population has grown more than any other species in the Kruger National Park area.
A young impala inspects its back legs. After a wobbly first few days, new born impalas quickly gain confidence in their ability to walk and run.
There are many predators that attempt to capitalise on the weak and inexperienced newcomers to the wild world. Impalas combat the pressure from the predators by essentially flooding the market with young, and there are simply too many lambs running around for the predators to catch them all.
Within a period of about 3 to 5 weeks almost 90% of all impala lambs will be born, meaning that although many will succumb to predators, at least half of them will have enough time to grow strong enough and streetwise enough to evade predators.
Two impala lambs frolic through the grass. Their playful racing around also helps to strengthen their legs and prepare them for the inevitable sprint that one day might save their lives.
While the impalas do have a brilliant natural solution to ensure their population’s breeding success, predators too make use of this time of plenty to advance their own agendas.
From the usual suspects like leopards and African wild dogs to less likely candidates like hyenas and martial eagles, many different predator species adapt their hunting style to make use of the many impala lambs around. Since it takes about two days for a newborn impala to be properly comfortable on its feet, the young impalas usually lie hidden in a thick area while their mothers are off feeding. Hyenas – who in this part of Africa usually only hunt around 30% of the time, if that – will actively go in search of newborn lambs. Thus it is not uncommon to see impalas looking particularly uneasy when hyenas are around come November, whilst at other times of the year the impalas almost completely ignore the passing scavengers.
Martial eagles are the largest we find at Londolozi and even they have a fondness for impala lambs, swooping down from the air to ambush their unsuspecting quarry. The smaller Tawny eagles and bateleurs will be found feeding on the afterbirth left behind once the lambs have been born – nothing goes to waste.
The Tatowa female holds an impala lamb in her jaws. While it may be tough to look at, this young impala’s death will help this mother leopard raise her young cub to independence.
The Martial Eagle is a hugely impressive bird, able to kill an impala lamb if it so pleases, although their favourite prey is in fact the monitor lizard. They are frequently seen and easily recognisable by their size and coloration, and piercing yellow eyes.
While it may seem cruel to talk about how predators exploit an abundance of impala lambs, it is part of the circle of life here in the wild African bush. Some solace we can take away from this situation is that due to the ingenious seasonal flood of young impalas, both the predators and the impalas of Londolozi somehow manage to come away from the situation flourishing.
Only nature can be that innovative!
Interesting blog Nick. It just feel like summer. We had a few rain storms. The impala lambs are born and we heard the first woodlands this morning.
Nick a good blog. As long as the supply of prey exceeds the demands of the predators nature does its job
That Martial Eagle as such a menacing look!
Nick, this is an awesome story about Impala lambs! I love looking art impalas but most of the people I am with don’t like birds or impalas😧
Wonderful reminder of the beginning of a rather short but illuminating season. I was fortunate enough to witness the plethora of new lambs early November last year in Chobe, and then finish out the month in Sabi Sand, including my stay in Londolozi. Seeing a lamb wobbling around a thicket, shortly after birth brings a smile as well as fear that a predator is nearby – for sure, a juvenile female leopard grabbed the first one we spotted….. then a few kms later at least a dozen more were spotted , So your 50% survival seems to hold true. Cheers and good sightings!!
Impalas are thé most adorable animals, especially the newborns. One Christmas we were at Londolozi and Gregg came on a female giving birth. It was amazing and within maybe in as little minutes he was up and staggering after mum. It is a pity in a way that they are everyone’s fast food, it is the law of the “jungle”. Victoria
Impala lambs are one of the underrated babies of the bush. They are commonplace but also very adorable when very young.
It’s always special seeing the impala lambs in summer!