The Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) is also called the Southern Eland. It is a large antelope from eastern or southern Africa – the second largest antelope in the world (second to the Giant Eland).

The Common Eland has tan fur, with or without narrow white vertical stripes on its large body. It has small, round, narrow ears and a long, thin tail with a black tuft of hair at the end. It has a black stripe behind its front knees. The male has a dark mark on its face, a large dewlap on its throat (loose skin), and long, almost straight horns with one or two twists. The female has longer, thinner horns than the male.

It can grow to 1.83 metres (6 feet) tall. Males have horns that are 43-65 centimetres (17-26 inches) long, whereas females have horns that are 51-68 centimetres (20-27 inches) long.

It is the slowest antelope in the world. It can only run at speeds of 40 kilometres per hour (25 miles per hour) for short distances, whereas other antelopes are smaller and faster. However, it is a good jumper, and can jump about 2 metres high (6 feet).

The Common Eland likes acacia savannahs and semi-deserts, where it grazes on grass during the rainy season and browses on plants and tree leaves during the dry season.

Females are pregnant for 9 months before giving birth to a single baby, called a calf.

 

 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM