Tragelaphus (Taurotragus) oryx
The common eland is the biggest antelope occurring in South Africa. Eland are bulky animals, the bulls weighing up to 950kg and standing over 6 feet (1.8m) high at the shoulder. Cows weigh up to 700kg. Eland differ from their close relatives – the kudu, nyala and bushbuck – in that both sexes carry horns and not only the males.
Eland cow
Eland bull
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland in the long, dry grass
Eland occur in an extremely wide variety of habitats, from high mountains to the arid extremes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts. They are herbivorous, browsing and grazing on a huge assortment of plants, and are able to forego drinking water for extended periods.
Eland bull
Eland bull
Eland bull
Eland herd
Eland calves
Eland calves
Eland (photo by Joubert)
An Eland, our biggest antelope
Herd of Eland
Immature Eland at the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Eland cow
Eland cow (photo by Joubert)
Huge herd of Eland on the plains of Lammertjiesleegte
Eland cow
Eland cow (photo by Joubert)
Eland cow (photo by Joubert)
Eland Bull
Eland Bull
Eland Bull
Eland Bull (photo by Joubert)
They are social animals, keeping in mixed herds numbering from three to several thousand. The bigger herds form mainly during the wet season and when the animals migrate, sometimes over vast distances. Despite their hefty physiques, eland are surprisingly agile, with even the biggest bulls easily managing to jump fences two to three meters in height.
Eland on Kwalata Drive
Eland
Herd of eland on a mountain slope
Eland were the main reason the Giant’s Castle reserve was proclaimed
Eland were the main reason the Giant’s Castle reserve was proclaimed
Eland were the main reason the Giant’s Castle reserve was proclaimed
At night, Eland often shelter in the camp
Eland on the run along the Bushmans River
Eland were the main reason the Giant’s Castle reserve was proclaimed
Eland in the mopane bush
We found this Eland near the Mphongolo River
Eland in the mopane bush
Eland gathering at a watering hole north of Babalala
Eland herd
Eland in Mapungubwe National Park
Fight between two Eland bulls (photo by Joubert)
Eland bull in Mapungubwe National Park
Eland moving through Leokwe Camp in Mapungubwe National Park
Eland silhouette in Mapungubwe National Park
Single calves are born mostly just before or during the rainy season, and have a life expectancy of between twelve and twenty years.
Eland herd
Eland bull
Eland cow
Eland bull
Eland bull
Eland cow
Eland herd
Eland herd
Eland herd
Eland bull
Eland cow
Eland cow
Eland cow
Eland cow
Eland herd
Eland cow
Young Eland
Eland youngsters
Eland
The IUCN estimates the total population of the common eland at about 136,000 and regards it to be safe (“least concern”) in conservation terms. In South Africa, we consider the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve among the most reliable places to see these incredibly big antelope in their natural habitat.
Eland
Eland
Imposing Eland bull
Eland
Eland
Eland herd on the move
Eland cresting a nearby hill
Eland bull
Eland herd
Eland near Bowkerskop
Eland Bull
Eland Bull
Eland Bull
Eland Herd
Eland
Like this:
Like Loading...