These are some of the incredible sightings that visitors to the Kruger Park and other game reserves have recorded.
As one of Africa’s most graceful and widespread antelopes, the impala is known for its slender build and agility. It can leap impressive distances and reach speeds of over 60 km/h; and uses its speed and dexterity to evade predators and or sheer enjoyment.
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Impalas also live in groups to reduce their chances of being attacked. Females and their young form herds of up to 100, while males often live in bachelor groups of about 60.
Furthermore, they are constantly on alert for predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. They rely on their sharp senses of sight, smell, and hearing to detect danger.
However, they aren’t always able to evade predators, as this collection of sightings shows.
Wild dog drags impala out of the water
In one of the sightings, an impala enters the water to evade capture by a determined pack of wild dogs.
For a little while, the brave impala seems to be secure in the water; until a wild dog lunges towards the buck, dragging it out by its hind legs.
Newborn impala succumbs to leopard attack
It’s possibly newborn and young impala which are most vulnerable to predator ambushes. Most impala births occur around midday when predators are less active. However despite this precautionary measure, about half of newborns fall prey within the first few weeks.
This is what happened to a newborn impala, recorded in one of the sightings. Its mother made a dash for it when she spotted an approaching predator.
The newborn was left vulnerable in the open, and the leopard approached it with confidence, even lying down next to it for a while and appearing to lick it with paternal care.
However, it soon became evident that the leopard wasn’t trying to placate the young buck. Its licking of the young impala had a far more sinister motive.
It secured its jaws around the small antelope’s head, lifting it up into the air, and walking away with it.
Leopard attacks unsuspecting impala
In another sighting, an impala is caught off guard by a charging leopard and again, by a territorial hyena which dares to take on the leopard for the trophy buck.
A visible tussle ensues and surprisingly the leopard runs from the scene of commotion, leaving the impala alone with the hyena.
A surprise ambush
Another sighting in the video shows an impala running straight into a predator’s trap.
The leopard, which has been hiding in the long grass, literally lifts the buck up into the air, before making a kill.
With the buck’s lifeless form in its grip, it then lifts its head, to the delight of spectators.
Trio of cheetah hide in preparation for ambush
In an incredible moment, three cheetah can be seen waiting for an impala to pass by. They wait still and silent, their muscles rippling in preparation for an attack.
When the impala is close enough, they launch an attack, chasing at great speed.
They then work together to close in on the antelope, pulling it down with force.
These sightings and other sightings in the clip are a reminder that life in the bushveld is not for the faint-hearted and that circle of life excludes no species. The breathtaking dynamics of nature leave one in reverential fear and awe at the same time.
Life as an impala is definitely not easy!