Details
Taurotragus oryx
The common eland is a very large African antelope of open country. Despite its size, it can jump strongly and travels in herds while feeding on grasses and browse.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Afrotropical savanna and grassland, including open plains, shrubland, and light woodland. It can use dry areas by relying on moisture in plants.
Length 200-280 cm; weight 300-940 kg. Both sexes have spiraled horns, while males show a heavy dewlap and chest tuft. The tan coat may carry faint vertical stripes.
Cathemeral and herd-forming, it adjusts activity to heat and feeding conditions. When alarmed, groups move with powerful runs and jumps.
A herbivore, it eats grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruit. In dry seasons, browse and moisture-rich plants become especially important.
Breeding occurs within herds, and females usually bear a single calf. Calves stay close to mothers and move with the group.
It is listed as Least Concern. Hunting, livestock competition, and habitat change vary in importance by region.
