Eland

Eland (Taurotragus oryx) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae Subfamily: Antilopinae Genus: Taurotragus Species: T. oryx Conservation Status: Lower risk

One of the largest antelopes, with a weight that can reach the tonne, the Eland is a savannah and plain antelope found in East and Southern Africa. In spite of their mass, elands are excellent jumpers and can clear heights of 1.5 meters.

Common Elands stand around two metres at the shoulder and weight 300 kilograms to a tonne. The females have a tan coat while the males' coat is a darker tan with a blue tinge to it, there may be a single white stripe vertically placed on the sides.

The males have dense fur on their foreheads and a large dewlap. Both sexes have horns, which are about 65 centimetres long and almost straight. The horns of the female are longer but thinner than those of the male.

Common Eland live on the savannah and eat grass, herbs, tree leaves, bushes, and succulent fruits. They are diurnal but tend towards inactivity during the heat of the day. Herds are usually between thirty and eighty individuals but are known to reach upwards of four hundred.

The common Eland has an unusual social life. They come and go, taking advantage of herd life when they need to without forming close ties. There may be more than one adult male in a herd, but there is a strict hierarchy that controls access to breeding females. Male territories occur primarily in wooded areas. Fighting between males is done with horns.

Source: Wikipedia.

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