Eland

Afrikaans name: Eland

Male Eland

Photo © Steven Herbert

Taurotragus oryx

Interesting facts about Eland

What is referred to in South Africa as the Eland is sometimes referred to as the Common or Southern Eland elsewhere. It can also apparently be called the Eland Antelope.

This is a massive species of antelope standing 1.6 metres at the shoulder and weighing up to 600 kg. Females are smaller than the males. Elsewhere in Africa you get the Giant Eland which is the only antelope bigger than this one.

The Eland feeds off grass and leaves. They are particularly fond of flowering plants. The Eland favours more open habitats such as savanna and woodlands. It may even be found at higher altitudes in montane grasslands.

Eland are not territorial and form herds which may number a few or couple of hundred individuals.

Both male and females have horns although the males horns are thicker. Males have thick fur on their foreheads.

Although Eland are not fast runners they do have the ability to jump up to 2.5 metres high.

Eland are preyed upon by Lion, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Spotted Hyena although the young are far more at risk than large adults.

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 179

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 222

Wild Issue 22 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 28

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 30

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 125

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 52

The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 187

South African Animals in the Wild - Author: Anthony Bannister - Published: 1985 - Page: 18

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 200

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 217

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 142

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 19

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 416

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 198

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 143

First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2003 - Page: 54

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 60

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 130

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 138

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 184

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 110

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 168

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 256

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 184

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 48

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 74

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List of South African Mammals