Mammals · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

Common Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The common eland is, together with the giant eland, the heaviest antelope in the world: old males exceed 900 kilos. Despite its size it clears fences of more than two metres from a standing start. It is nomadic and covers great distances in search of grazing, in herds that can gather several hundred animals. Adult males develop a hanging dewlap and a dark tuft on the forehead. It has been experimentally domesticated in Russia and Zimbabwe for its milk and meat.

Weight

300 kg – 940 kg

Size

2 m – 3.5 m

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Crepuscular

Active above all at dawn and dusk.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

SavannaGrasslandHerbivore Crepuscular Savanna Grassland Mammal

43countries 25parks86same family

Fun facts

GeneralThe largest antelope in Africa: up to 900 kg, and still able to clear a 2.5 m fence.
It weighs up to 900 kilos and still clears fences of more than two metres from a standing start, a combination of weight and power no other antelope can match.
Its knees produce a click audible at a distance as it walks, caused by the tendons slipping over the bones: in a moving herd it sounds like a constant crackling, and it appears to work as a dominance signal between males.