Eland
Last Update 2014
The Eland’s native habitats are Southern, Central and East Africa though it is now extinct in a few of
those regions. They feed off of grass, herbs and foliage as well as fruits, seeds, roots and bulbs. The Eland is capable of going for long periods of time without water as it gets sufficient water from
moisture rich foods. Their coats are tan, fawn or tawny colored which can turn slightly bluish-Grey on the neck and shoulders with a dark mane running down their back.
Male Body Length: 94 – 135 inches
Female Body Length: 78 – 110 inches
Tail Length: 19 – 35 inches
Male Weight: 880 – 2070 pounds
Female Weight: 660 – 1320 pounds
Horns: Rise with slight twist from the back of the head with sharp points on both male and female.
The male can be identified by the large fold of loose skin that hangs below the throat
(called a dewlap) and patch of long, coarse, dark hair on their forehead. These features become more pronounced with age.
Gestation period is 9 months followed by a single birth where the newborn will stay in hiding for two or more weeks where the mother will continuously return. A mother’s call to a calf sounds like a creaking door when she’s trying to find the calf’s hidden location.