Mammals
Eland
Taurotragus oryx · also called common eland, southern eland
Clicking softly with every stride and capable of clearing a fence nearly three metres high, an eland carries the title of the world’s largest antelope with surprising grace, its tightly spiralled horns present on both males and females across the savanna and grassland of southern and East Africa.
Overview
The eland, Taurotragus oryx, is the largest antelope species in the world, native to savanna and grassland habitat across southern and East Africa. Its immense size, tightly spiralled horns present on both sexes, and surprising jumping ability make it one of the most physically remarkable antelope species found anywhere on the continent.
A giant that still moves like an antelope
Despite weighing close to 900 kilograms, the eland retains a level of agility that few animals its size can match, clearing tall obstacles with ease and moving through loosely structured herds that can shift in membership from day to day.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across protected areas and game ranches in southern and East Africa, though declining outside reserves.
Eland: common questions
Why does the eland make a clicking sound when it walks?
This species produces an audible clicking sound from its leg tendons with every step, a trait believed to help signal a male's size and dominance to rivals and potential mates.
How big does the eland get?
This species is the largest antelope alive, with males weighing up to around 900 kilograms, making it rival small cattle in overall bulk despite its antelope ancestry.
Can the eland really jump nearly three metres?
Yes, this species can clear fences and obstacles nearly three metres high from a standing start, a surprising feat of agility for such a large, heavily built antelope.
Do both male and female eland have horns?
Yes, this species has long, tightly spiralled horns present on both males and females, though the horns on males are noticeably thicker and more heavily ridged.