Eland » Animal

A shoulder height of almost two metres and a weight of seven hundred eighty kilograms makes the eland (Taurotragus oryx) the largest antelope by far. Despite its impressive appearance it is a shy herd animal and an exceptional jumper. A two metre high obstacle poses no problem for an eland. Compared to other antelopes the eland is rather slow. It cannot reach more than forty kilometres an hour. Its ochre coat is broken with white vertical stripes, and the striking dewlap ends on a tuft of hair. Elands feed on fruit, leaves, tubers, grass and tree bark. The does' horns are longer and thinner than those of the stags. They are nomadic, inhabiting savannes and open plains, dry mopane, light woodland and montane grassland. Independent to water, Eland derive their moisture intake from plants. Both sexes have horns; although those of females are often longer. Old bulss are often solitary. Normally silent creatures, eland have a acute sense of smell and good hearing.

Shoulder height: 1.5-1.85 m

Mass: up to 850 kg

Gestation: 255-265 days, single calf