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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
An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 256Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 184
Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 168
Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 138
Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 130
Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 198
Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 143
Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 142
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 416
Signs of the Wild - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 217
Wild Issue 22 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 28