Eland

Common eland are a large variety of antelope with a light to dark tan coat. They can easily be recognized by faint white stripes on their front quarters. Eland have spiral horns that can grow up to one meter in length. Males can weigh 882-2,077 pounds and stand 59-72 inches at the shoulder, while females can weigh 660-1,320 pounds and stand 49-60 inches tall.

Eland are mainly a savannah and plains antelope found in the southern and eastern regions of Africa. Their superior adaptability allows them to live in a variety of areas. They have been introduced in regions of private ranchland where they would not normally live. Civil wars and the events after in countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, and Mozambique have caused a dramatic decrease in their population. Eland are also commonly poached for sport, as well as food, and their habitats are ruined because of deforestation. However, their population numbers are currently listed and stable and they are not endangered or near endangered. Eland are herbivores; they consume herbs, fruit, seeds, and grass. They are able to survive long periods without water because they obtain a large portion of water from their food.

A gestation period will last about 280 days and only one calf will be born at a time. This calf will remain in a nursery group within the herd until they are about two years old.