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The common eland (Taurotragus oryx, also known as the southern eland) is a savannah and plains antelope found in East and Southern Africa.
[edit] Description
The common eland is considered, alongside the ironically similarly-dimensioned Giant Eland, the largest species of "antelope", though in many respects the elands are quite bovine. Females weigh 300-600 kg (660-1322 pounds), measure 200-280 cm (91-111 in) from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 125-153 cm (49-61 in) at the shoulder. Bulls weigh 400-1000 kg (880-2200 pounds), are 240-345 cm (95-136 in) from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 150-183 cm (59-73 in) at the shoulder.The tail adds a further 50-90 cm (20-36 in).[1][2][3] Females have a tan coat, while males have a darker tan coat with a blueish-grey tinge; there may also be a series of white stripes vertically on the sides of bulls (mainly in parts of the karoo in South Africa). Males have dense fur on their foreheads and a large dewlap. Both sexes have horns, about 65 centimetres (26 in) long and with a steady spiral ridge (resembling that of the bushbuck). The female's horns are wider set and thinner than the male's. [edit] Ecology and behaviorCommon eland live on the open plains of Southern Africa and along the foothills of the great South African plateau. They eat grass, branches and leaves and are diurnal but tend to be inactive during the heat of day. Herds usually have 30 to 80 individuals, but are known to exceed 400. The common eland has an unusual social life, leaving or joining herds as necessary without forming close ties. The size and power of the bull eland generally (but not always) discourages predators, but females are thought to be more vulnerable to attack.[4] Known eland predators include lions, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs and, rarely, leopards. [edit] TaxonomyCommon eland are sometimes considered part of the genus Tragelaphus, but are usually categorised as Taurotragus, along with the giant eland. [edit] NameThe name "eland" is derived from the Dutch word for moose. When Dutch settlers came to the Cape Province they named the largest wild ruminant herbivore they met with the name of the huge northern herbivore. In Dutch the animal is called "eland antilope" to distinguish it from the moose, which is found in the northern boreal forests. [edit] External links
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