Impala with bizarre horns

I’ve recently found this impala with really bizarre horns. I’ve seen misformed horns in several species before, and this is another one that really looks weird. Abnormal horn growth can have several causes including mineral deficiencies in their diet, inbreeding or injuries. In this case it does seem that injury is involved as I noticed the keratin sheath coming off in places revealing the bony horn underneath. This impala has been around for a while and although it might not manage to become a dominant male, it still seems to have a pretty healthy life.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za