Overview
When a herd of eland moves across the open plains, it does so with a quiet, unhurried authority. The common eland is Africa’s largest antelope, combining an ox-like build with surprising grace and agility.
Both males and females carry long, spiralling horns, although males are much heavier and more powerfully built. Large bulls may approach a tonne in weight and develop a broad forehead, heavy dewlap and darker coat as they mature. Females are lighter, more slender and usually retain a warmer fawn colouring.
Eland are adaptable feeders, browsing on leaves, shoots and shrubs while also grazing when fresh grass is available. They often move in loose, fluid herds whose size changes as animals join and separate in response to food, water and seasonal conditions. Although they may appear slow and cumbersome, they are capable of sudden bursts of speed and impressive jumps.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for an exceptionally large antelope with a sloping back, prominent dewlap, short mane and long, tightly twisted horns. The coat ranges from pale fawn to grey-brown, and some individuals have faint vertical white stripes along the sides.
Adult males are much larger than females and often become greyer or darker with age. They may also develop a thick tuft of hair on the forehead and heavier horn bases. Females have longer, more slender horns, while those of mature bulls are usually thicker and more robust.
Despite their size, eland are excellent jumpers. They can clear high obstacles from a near-standing start, although the often-repeated height of 2.5 metres should be treated as an exceptional upper claim rather than an everyday ability.
Interesting facts
Adult males can make a clicking sound as they walk. The noise is associated with movement around the forelegs and is thought to help signal the size or presence of a mature bull, although its precise function remains debated.
Both males and females carry spiralling horns. Female horns are usually longer and slimmer, while those of mature males are thicker and heavier.
Eland can survive for long periods without drinking. They obtain much of their water from leaves, shoots and other vegetation, helping them cope with dry environments.