Eland

Taurotragus oryx

The Eland is a large antelope with beautiful spiraled horns. They are known for their impressive jumping ability and gentle nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Eland is Africa's largest antelope, with a tawny to grey-brown coat, sometimes adorned with faint white stripes. Both sexes have magnificent spiral horns, but males also sport a distinctive dewlap hanging from their throat.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyBovidaeGenusTaurotragus

Eland

Interesting facts

Despite their massive size, Elands are incredibly shy and often flee from danger.

Eland can survive without water for long periods by eating succulent plants.

Eland milk is incredibly rich and can be domesticated for it!

Their strong, spiral horns can grow over a meter long on males!

Special abilities

Eland can jump over 2.5 meters because of their strong legs, helping them clear fences or obstacles.

Eland has incredible stamina that helps them travel long distances in search of food and water.

Eland can swim well because of their powerful build, allowing them to cross rivers and water bodies.

Eland can make a unique clicking sound because of their hooves, helping them communicate with their herd.

Measurements & details

Length: 200-340 cm
Weight: 400-1000 kg
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Top Speed: 70 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 270-280 days

Diet & Feeding

Elands are gentle giants who mostly munch on leaves, shoots, and grass.

Primary Foods

leaves
shoots
grasses
fruits
roots

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

A primary predator of adult and young Elands.

eaten by

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Often targets Eland calves and sick individuals.

eaten by

African Wild Dog

Lycaon pictus

Hunts in packs, often targeting younger Elands.

symbiotic with

Yellow-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus africanus

Eats ticks and parasites from the Eland's skin.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Horned

Look for animals that proudly wear horns, which are amazing natural crowns!

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!