 The impala is an important prey for several carnivores , such as cheetahs , leopards and lions . The antelope displays two characteristic leaps – it can jump up to 3 metres ( 9 @.@ 8 ft ) , over vegetation and even other impala , covering distances of up to 10 metres ( 33 ft ) ; the other type of leap involves a series of jumps in which the animal lands on its forelegs , moves its hindlegs mid @-@ air in a kicking fashion , lands on all fours and then rebounds . It leaps in either manner in different directions , probably to confuse predators . At times , the impala may also conceal itself in vegetation to escape the eye of the predator . The most prominent vocalisation is the loud roar , delivered through one to three loud snorts with the mouth closed , followed by two to ten deep grunts with the mouth open and the chin and tail raised ; a typical roar can be heard up to 2 kilometres ( 1 @.@ 2 mi ) away . Scent gland secretions identify a territorial male . A notable feature of impala is their sedentary nature ; adult and middle @-@ aged males , in particular , can hold their territories for years . 
