The common eland, also known as the southern eland or eland antelope, is a species of antelope found in savannah and woodland areas of eastern and southern Africa. It is the second-largest antelope after the giant eland, with males standing up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) at the shoulder and weighing around 400-600 kg (880-1,320 pounds), while females are slightly smaller and lighter.
The common eland has a distinctive appearance, with a tan to reddish-brown coat and a series of white stripes on its sides. Both sexes have spiral-shaped horns, which can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length. These horns are used for fighting and defense against predators.
One of the most remarkable features of the common eland is its ability to jump. Despite its large size and weight, the eland is capable of leaping up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in the air from a standing position. This impressive feat is used both for escaping predators and for play.
The common eland is a herbivore, feeding on a variety of vegetation including leaves, grasses, and shoots. It has a complex digestive system that allows it to extract nutrients from tough, fibrous plant matter.
Despite its large size and strength, the common eland is not aggressive towards humans and is often hunted for its meat and hide. It is also a popular game animal and is sometimes kept in captivity for breeding and conservation purposes.
However, like many African animals, the common eland is facing a number of threats including habitat loss, poaching, and competition with livestock. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species and ensure its survival for future generations to appreciate and admire.
What Is Bigger Kudu Vs Eland?
The eland is larger than the greater kudu in terms of size. While the greater kudu is the tallest antelope after the eland, with males standing at 130-150 cm (51-59 inches) in height and females averaging 120 cm (47 inches), the eland is larger in weight. The average weight of a male eland is around 500-600 kg (1100-1320 pounds), while females weigh around 300-450 kg (660-990 pounds). In comparison, male greater kudus weigh on average 257 kg (567 pounds), with a maximum of 315 kg (694 pounds), and females weigh around 170 kg (370 pounds). Therefore, in terms of size and weight, the eland is bigger than the greater kudu.
Which Eland Is The Biggest?
The largest species of antelope is the giant eland, which is scientifically known as Taurotragus derbianus. This species has a body length that ranges from 220-290 cm (86.5-114 in). It is important to note that there are two subspecies of giant eland, namely T. d. derbianus and T. d. gigas. The former is found in West and Central Africa, while the latter is found in East Africa. However, both subspecies are equally large in size.
How Many Species Of Eland Are There?
There are two species of eland. One is known as the giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus) which is slightly larger than the other species, and can be found in the central and western regions of Africa. The other species is the common eland (Taurotragus oryx), which is more well-known and widespread. Therefore, in total, there are two distinct species of eland.
Conclusion
The common eland (Taurotragus oryx) is a fascinating species of antelope that inhabits the savannas, grasslands, and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. They are known for their impressive size, with males standing up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 942 kg (2,077 pounds). Females are slightly smaller, but still formidable in size. These majestic animals have a unique appearance, with striking spiral horns and a distinctive dewlap under their necks. The common eland is also known for its agility and speed, capable of running up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and jumping up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in the air. Despite their impressive size, they are relatively peaceful herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation. The common eland is an important and iconic species of the African savanna ecosystem, and efforts are being made to protect their populations from habitat loss, hunting, and other threats.
