The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
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
Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 222Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 179
What Antelope is That? - Author: Paul Rose - Published: 1967 - Page: 5
Wild Issue 22 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 28
Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 125
The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 30
The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 330
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
Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 52
Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 217
Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 200
Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 19
Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 142
Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 143
Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 198
Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 320
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 416
Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 130
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
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 Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 258
Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 168
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 184
An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 256
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
A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 65
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