 |
Eland - Taurotragus oryx | ||
Bull |
Cow |
||
| Mass (adult) | ± 700-900 kg |
± 460 kg |
|
| Shoulder height | ± 170 cm |
± 150 cm |
|
| Life expectancy | ± 12 years |
± 12 years |
|
| Trophy Records | ||
Minimum |
Record |
|
| Rowland Ward | 35" |
45" shot in 1994 |
| SCI | 77" |
113 -2/8" shot in 1996 |
| SCI Bowhunting | 68" |
103 -2/8" shot in 1996 |
| Identification | |
 |
The Cape Eland is Southern Africa's largest antelope. Its cow-like appearance resembles a Brahman with its large hump and dewlap. The Eland is generally fawn or tawny in colour, although the hair on the neck and shoulders becomes blue-grey with age. Adult bulls have a distinct neck dewlap and develop a patch of fairly long hair. Both sexes bear straight horns with a shallow spiral, although those of the bull are thicker and the spiral is more pronounced. The male is larger and much heavier than the female and its horns are thicker and heavier. |
| Habitat | |
The Eland is very adaptable and is found from semi-desert shrubveld to different
types of woodland and moist mountain grassland. Trees and shrubs are important
and it avoids vast open grass plains. It is independent of water. Although found
in a wide range of habitats, they prefer open scrub-covered plains and woodland
savannah.
|
|
| Habits | |
| Herds usually consist of 25 to 60 individuals but larger groups do occur, particularly during rains. The hierarchy in the herds is based on age and size. In the calving season, nursing herds and bachelor herds can be distinguished. At a later stage young animals and males join the nursing herds and form-breeding herds. Breeding herds are placid while serious fights occur in the bachelor herds. During the winter males and females leave the nursing herds and form mixed or bachelor herds. In some areas, such as the Kalahari, herds move over great distances. Eland are well known for their jumping abilities. Eland also graze at night. A characteristic clicking sound can be heard when they walk. | |
| Food | |
| Eland are predominantly browsers and will also occasionally eat grass and dig for roots and bulbs with the front hooves. | |
| Vocalisation | |
| Females "moo", calves bleat, adults bellow, bark and grumble. | |
| Breeding | |
| A single young is born any time during the year after a gestation period of ± 9 months. Although calves are born throughout the year there is a distinct peak in August to October. Cows have 2 pairs of groin mammae. | |