Common eland

Taurotragus oryx

[Translate to English:] Eine Elenantilope liegt auf sandigem Grund und hat einen trägen Blick. IUCN Red List endangerment category: Least concern
  • Family
    Bovids (Bovidae)
  • Weight
    ♀ 400 – 600 kg, ♂ 400 – 900 kg
  • Habitat
    Savannahs, grasslands, bushlands

Gender differences

Male and female common eland can easily be distinguished by the horns. Females have a slightly longer, thinner horn, while that of the males is thicker and features a tighter spiral. Males also have a more pronounced dewlap – a flap of skin hanging from the throat. The dewlap of each male is individually shaped, allowing you to differentiate them.

A running common eland, from the side.

A question of strength

Common eland bulls tend to avoid fighting with each other. Instead, they attempt to intimidate their rivals. During the rut, the males will stare down their opponent or soak their forehead in muddy urine. Most disputes are usually settled in this way, without a fight.

With a shoulder height of up to 180 cm, the eland is the largest antelope species in the world.

Distribution

Distribution