Eland antelope

CLASS

Mammiferi

FAMILY

Bovidae

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Taurotragus oryx

WHERE IS IN THE PARK

Safari

The eland antelope, also known as common eland or southern eland, is a species of the Bovidae family and it is found in the savannas and plains of East and Southern Africa. It’s among the largest antelopes, second just to the giant eland.
An adult male can be 130 – 180 cm tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 300 kg and 1,000 kg. Horns with a steady spiral ridge characterize both sexes, unlike other antelopes. Their diet is primarily grasses, branches and leaves. From this food, the antelopes get most of the water they need. The antelope is active in the early morning and at dusk, while it remains almost inactive during the hottest hours of the day. It can be found in herds composed of 30 – 80 members, that may exceptionally count up to 500. The eland antelope is not a skilled racer, but it may become an indefatigable marathon trotter, able to cover long distances.
If startled, this mammal is capable of jumping up to 3 meters in height from a standing start. Its muscle power is forceful. Thanks to its size, an adult eland has virtually no natural predators. Young elands are predated by lions, african wild dogs and spotted hyenas. Average life expectancy is about 10-20 years (25 in captivity).

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