News / Camp News

Duelling Impala at Ruckomechi Camp

25 Jun 2010

Location:  Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Date:  20 June 2010
Observer: Kevin van Breda and guests 
Photographer: Kevin van Breda

In the dry season (usually starting around May in southern Africa) adult male impala enter what is called the rutting season. In this period of a few months, the males struggle for territorial supremacy over harems of females with much horn clashing, rebuffing and the most peculiar vocalisations. Their deep bark-like calls continue day and night and sound very intimidating to anyone who has not heard it before, almost like some ferocious predator....

Out on an early morning drive recently we came across a large male impala and younger male challenger sizing each other up, initially with slow stiff movements and then suddenly clashing horns in a short duel for supremacy.

It was over in seconds but this brief dispute was decisive. A sharp horn from the older impala, possibly more experienced, briefly entered the skin of the younger male and then exited again. The horn punctured about 5-10 inches of skin but fortunately not in the area of any vital organs of the younger impala. The inexperienced male did not seem perturbed and stood his ground, showing his willingness to continue fighting.

Shortly after this both contestants stood alongside each other again and protested with their loud alarm calls but without either being a clear victor or running away. They eventually just walked off in different directions seemingly very indignant and unimpressed with each other. 

Competing males often lose condition during this period, with mating even influenced by the phases of the moon.  As the males are so busy defending their territories during this time they are often easier targets for opportunistic predators.

Browse our RSS feed page and sign up for the most up to date news as it breaks.

More about Ruckomechi Camp