Comparing an impala and an antelope
The 5 main differences between an impala and an antelope
The difference between impalas and antelopes is that impalas are members of the antelope group. All impalas are antelopes. Although it isn’t well known, antelopes aren’t actually a single species of animal. In fact, antelopes are a group of animals that fit a certain description. Any animal that fits the description is able to be classified as an antelope. As it stands, impalas fit the description and are classified as antelopes. Asking the difference between an impala and an antelope is like asking the difference between an apple and a fruit. Still, even with the presupposed question not being exactly correct, there are some things that we can learn from comparing the two. Impalas are unique animals, and we can easily compare them with some of the other members of the antelope group. Let’s take a deep dive into what an impala and an antelope are to see what we can learn!
Impala vs Antelope: Definition
Impalas are medium-sized antelopes that exclusively live in the southern portion of Africa. They aren’t considered gazelles, although they are considered to be antelopes. These deer-like creatures travel in groups and are extremely common within their distribution. Impalas have rumens and an even number of toes. Since they aren’t classified as cows, goats, or sheep, they are classified within the antelope group. Antelopes are a large group of animals that are specified to have an even number of toes, have rumens, and are indigenous to Africa, the Middle East, and Eurasia. If a creature isn’t classified as a goat, sheep, or cow and meets this criterion, it’s most likely considered an antelope. There are 30 genera and 91 species contained within the group. Additionally, there is a large amount of variance between members in this group, whether it be size, appearance, or a great many other things.
Impala vs Antelope: Scientific naming
The impala belongs to the Bovidae family, along with all other antelopes and gazelles. What makes impalas different, however, is that they belong to the Aepyceros genus and are the sole species within it. They are related to gazelles, although they aren’t classified as one. Gazelles all belong to the Gazella genus but have extremely similar features to the impala. Antelopes aren’t a taxonomic category themselves. Instead, they are a loose group that encompasses any species in the Bovidae family other than species belonging to the Boselaphus genus, Bovini tribe (cattle), or the subfamilies Alcelaphinae and Caprinae. One distinction, however, is the American antelope. The American antelope hold the nake antelope, although it isn’t technically considered to be a true antelope. Another name for the American antelope is the pronghorn.
Impala vs Antelope: Examples
Impalas are the monotypic species within the Aepyceros genus, meaning they are the only species within the group. Still, there are two recognized subspecies and a total of 6 unrecognized subspecies. The two recognized subspecies are the common impala and the black-faced impala. The other subspecies aren’t recognized due to the lack of DNA difference that is present within the two recognized subspecies. There are 91 species that are considered antelopes. Here are some of the most common examples:
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Impala vs Antelope: Size
The average impala falls around the middle in regards to the size of all the antelopes. Impalas usually measure 3-5 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 88 and 170 lbs. Antelopes are a varied group of animals with a wide discrepancy between the sizes of various species. The smallest antelope is the royal antelope, measuring only 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing only 3.5 lbs. On the other end of the spectrum, the largest antelope is likely the common eland. Elands can measure nearly 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 2,100 lbs.
Impala vs Antelope: Distribution
The two subspecies of impala are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The common impala lives throughout the majority of southern Africa, with the most northerly populations residing in Kenya. The black-faced impala population is quite small and is found within a small range on the border of Namibia and Angola. Antelopes have a wide distribution, mostly due to how many species are considered part of the group. Most species are found in the savannas of Africa, however. The rest are found along the Arabian Peninsula, India, Central Asia, and even in the Himalayas.
