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.