The Antelope of africa

Eland

Tragelaphus oryx

Unmistakable as the largest antelope, the eland is tawny in colour and the males have a large dewlap on the throat. Both sexes have short, spiralled horns

Distribution Once widely spread across the savannas of Africa it is now only found in protected areas of east, central and southern Africa.
Social structure Herds range considerably in size although they can congregate in great numbers. They very nomadic in some areas. Males establish a hierarchal system but do not defend territories as such.
Range differentiation Variation in plant browse species across the range.
Habitat A wide range of habitats from semi desert to savanna, coastal plains and montane regions. They have been recorded at 5000m on Mount Kilimanjaro
Feeding They are browsers but they do dig for roots and bulbs and will also graze and eat fruit when available.
Breeding They birth throughout the year after a gestation period of 9 months. Calves grow quickly and can reach 500kg in one year.
The darker male Eland with thicker necks and shoulders

Male eland are generally darker in colour than females and have thicker necks and shoulders.

The darker male Eland with thicker necks and shoulders
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Male eland are generally darker in colour than females and have thicker necks and shoulders.

Eland grazing with wildebeeste

Eland can be found with other species such as wildebeeste in areas where the grazing is plentiful.

Eland grazing with wildebeeste
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Eland can be found with other species such as wildebeeste in areas where the grazing is plentiful.

When they walk they make a loud clicking sound which can be heard from a distance away. It was first explained as the older individuals knee joints but a new theory is that it is the hooves clicking together
An Eland amounst two zebras

Eland tolerate other species except at waterholes when water is at a premium.

An Eland amounst two zebras
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Eland tolerate other species except at waterholes when water is at a premium.

Two Eland bulls

Two eland bulls on the Masai Mara grasslands.

Two Eland bulls
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Two eland bulls on the Masai Mara grasslands.

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