Impala (Aepyceros melampus). Young males sparring, mastering an essential technique if they are to have any chance of breeding.

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When their horns begin to grow, young male impala are pushed out of the breeding herd and have to join a bachelor group of males. They use sparring to establish their position within the male herd. Those who reach the top of this hierarchy will get a chance to challenge the male who holds the female herd. Only if successful in displacing him will the challenger get a chance to breed.

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Size: 3872px × 2592px
Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Photo credit: © David Sewell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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