What kind of animal is an eland? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is the largest of the antelopes and is a relative of cattle that is distributed mainly on the African continent. They are known to be very social animals, as they tend to form large groups.
What is eland? About basic status
The eland is the second largest antelope in the world, and on average is slightly smaller than the greater eland. The scientific name is Taurotragus oryx, also known as Southern eland or eland antelope. The body length is 240-350cm for males, 200-280cm for females, and the weight is 400-1000kg, and 300-600kg for females.
| Japanese（和名） | エランド |
| English（英名） | eland |
| scientific name(学名) | Taurotragus oryx |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyl、 Bovidae、Bovinae 哺乳綱、偶蹄目/鯨偶蹄目、ウシ科、ウシ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 240～350cm |
| Weight（体重） | 300-1000kg |
About classification
Elands are the largest of the antelopes. The name “Eland” means “elk” or “elk” in Afrikaans.
About habitat
Elands are mainly distributed in southern Africa (Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and South Africa).
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The eland’s body coat is brown, brown, or grey-brown. It is also often mixed with white. The inside of the limbs are whitish, and there is a black patch on the back of the front legs above the knees. The tip of the tail has long hairs and is black in color. Both male and female elands have horns that rotate about twice. Eland mainly forms herds in grasslands, bushlands, and shrublands in southern Africa. Elands are most active in the early morning and evening.
What is your personality like?
Elands tend to be quiet, gentle, and cooperative. However, if the herd is attacked, they have an indomitable spirit and can bravely fight as a group against foreign enemies.
What is the ecology like?
Elands are herbivorous, eating grasses, tree buds, leaves, etc. In addition to fruits, they also dig into the soil and eat tree roots. Elands are generally polygamous and breed during the rainy season. The gestation period is nine months and it is possible to give birth to one calf. The lifespan is about 15 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies will be lions and wolves. Large carnivorous mammals attack.
Is the eland an endangered species?
The eland has a stable population and is not an endangered species. They are protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and international trade is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. However, due to the expansion of human settlements and habitat loss due to poaching, the population is gradually decreasing, so close attention is required.
Can elands be kept?
Elands are not sold at pet stores. In that case, the most practical solution would be to ask the zoo to guide you and hand over the animal. Once you enter the park, there will be events, so be sure to check the general information and calendar before you go. Males and females are kept in zones.
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