Daily activity of impala

Abstract

Summary The basic activity pattern of impala in the Serengeti is described quantitatively; seasonal variations and those related to social status are discussed. The adaptiveness of the basic pattern, especially in the preponderance of vulnerable and mobile activities in the daytime and of static activities at night, is discussed. The cost of various territorial activities is stressed; the presence of females in his territory disturbs the basic activity pattern of the territorial male, reducing his time spent on feeding and ruminating. The relationship between the occurrence of males in shade and some environmental factors is analysed.