Elands are remarkable antelopes native to Africa, known for their impressive size and distinctive appearance. These large bovids are found across diverse African landscapes. This article explores the eland’s defining features and ecological roles.
Key Characteristics of the Eland
Elands are the largest antelopes globally. An adult male common eland can stand around 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 942 kilograms (2,077 pounds), though typical weights range from 500-600 kg (1,100-1,300 pounds). Females are somewhat smaller, weighing 340-445 kg (750-981 pounds) and reaching about 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) at the shoulder. Their coat color typically ranges from fawn to tawny, often becoming grayish-blue in older males.
Both male and female elands possess spiral horns, which project backward in a V-shape. While male horns are generally thicker and shorter, measuring 43–66 cm (17–26 inches), female horns can be longer and thinner, reaching 51–69 cm (20–27 inches). Males also develop a prominent dewlap, a fold of loose skin beneath the throat, which enlarges with age. Older males develop a dense mat of fur on their foreheads.
Eland Habitats and Distribution
Elands inhabit diverse environments across sub-Saharan Africa, including open plains, savannas, woodlands, and semi-desert areas. Their distribution spans from Ethiopia and South Sudan in the north, westward into eastern Angola and Namibia, and southward throughout South Africa.
While adaptable to various landscapes, elands avoid dense forests, swamps, and true deserts. They are also found in mountainous regions, at altitudes of up to 4,600 meters (15,000 feet). The presence of shrub-like bushes and flowering plants indicates suitable eland habitat.
Daily Life and Eating Habits
Elands are herbivores, adapting their diet seasonally. They browse on leaves, shoots, and branches from shrubs and trees, and graze on grasses, especially during the rainy season when grasses are more abundant and nutritious. Their diet includes forbs, seeds, and tubers. They can survive extended periods without open water by obtaining moisture from plants. Elands are active during twilight hours, feeding in the morning and evening.
Elands are social animals, forming herds from small groups to large aggregations of up to 500 individuals. Herd composition segregates by age and sex, with females and juveniles forming larger, more mobile groups. Mature males form smaller bachelor groups or become solitary. Despite their large size, elands are agile; they can jump up to 2.5 meters (8 feet 2 inches) from a standstill and maintain a trot of 22 km/h (14 mph).
Types of Elands and Their Status
There are two recognized species of eland: the Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) and the Giant Eland (Taurotragus derbianus). The Giant Eland is considered the largest antelope species by weight, but some common elands can weigh more. Its name refers to its larger horns. Visually, the Giant Eland has more distinct black and white markings on its legs and a more reddish-brown coat compared to the Common Eland’s tawny or gray coloration.
The Common Eland is widespread across East and Southern Africa and is classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is stable or increasing, with 90,000-110,000 mature individuals. The Giant Eland faces a precarious conservation status. Its overall status is “Vulnerable,” but the western subspecies (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) is classified as “Critically Endangered,” with fewer than 200 wild individuals remaining. Threats to Giant Eland populations include habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest.