Eland

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SWAHILI NAME: Mbunga

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Common eland, Taurotragus oryx, may stand 6 feet at the shoulders and weigh slightly more than 2,000 pounds. Both sexes have horns, beautiful spirals three feet long.

The Common eland's coat is light tan, darkening to gray in older males. There are usually a few light stripes on the forequarters, black and white leg markings, and a black tuft on the end of the tail.

The word antelope is derived from a Greek word (antholops) meaning "brightness of eye." With their elongated pupils and highly sensitive retinas, plus their eyes placed on the sides of their heads, antelopes are able to keep a sharp watch over most of the territory around them without so much as turning their heads.

Antelopes have acute senses of hearing and smell. Along with many other herd animals, antelopes have four-chambered ruminant stomachs which enables them to make the best use of available food.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

The Common Eland previously inhabited grassland and open woodlands in East, South and Central Africa. They are now found only in game reserves and ranches.

BEHAVIOR:

In the breeding season elands form herds of up to several hundreds. They are highly mobile and have large home ranges. Elands travel large distances through the year.

The eland is hunted for its meat in Africa, where its numbers are dwindling. The male eland's size generally discourages attacks except from predators working in collaboration. The smaller female elands are thought to be much more vulnerable to predators.

Male elands assess each other's status by means of horn-tangling. When a male antelope confronts another of the same species, they usually bang horns, then twist necks in an attempt to throw each other to the ground.

DIET:

Antelopes live mostly on grass or leaves. They graze during the wet season when young grasses are readily available. At other times they browse on bark and succulent buds.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Female elands reach sexual maturity at three years of age. Males breed successfully from 1 to 3 years after their female peers.

Eland cows usually give birth just before the rains begin. They almost always bear single calves. Calves wean from 3-6 months old.

Occasionally, eland babies are taken by hyenas or lions. Eland cows are known to attack predators near their calves.