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.
Systematic classification
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界（Animalia） |
| 門 | 脊索動物門（Chordata） |
| 綱 | 哺乳綱（Mammalia） |
| 目 | 偶蹄目（Artiodactyla） |
| 科 | ウシ科（Bovidae） |
| 亜科 | ウシ亜科（Bovinae） |
| 属 | Taurotragus |
| 種 | 2種： ・グレーエランド (Taurotragus oryx) ・カラハリエランド (Taurotragus derbianus) |
About habitat
Elands are mainly distributed in southern Africa (Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and South Africa).
- Overall Habitat
Elands live in the savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid regions of Africa.
They live in herds in open grasslands and feed on grasses and leaves.
They depend on water sources, but are drought-tolerant and can travel long distances to obtain water.
- Habitats by Species
Type Habitat Characteristics
Grey Eland (Taurotragus oryx) Southern and Eastern Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania. Common in open grasslands and savannas, with relatively stable populations.
Kalahari Eland (Taurotragus derbianus) Western and Central Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and the Kalahari Desert. Adapted to treeless, arid and semi-desert areas, with relatively small populations. - Habitat Conditions
Grasslands/Savannah
Suitable for feeding on grasses and shrubs
Wide field of vision makes it easy to spot predators (lions, leopards, etc.)
Semi-arid/Desert Areas
Can tolerate low water levels
Highly mobile and able to search for water and food
Suitable for large groups
Small groups capable of feeding at the same time, with dozens to hundreds of individuals
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.
- Physical Characteristics
Physique
Body Length: 2-3 m
Shoulder Height: Approximately 1.5-1.8 m
Weight: 250-1,000 kg (depending on species and individual)
Large and sturdy build
Coat Color
Gray Eland: Light brown to yellowish brown
Kalahari Eland: Reddish brown
Some individuals have vertical white stripes on their backs
Horns
Present in both sexes
Splendid spiral-shaped horns
Males have thick, large horns, while females have slightly narrower horns
Face/Head
Long face and calm-looking eyes
Slightly rounded nose, allowing for easy breathing in rough grasslands
- Behavior and Personality
Highly social animals that live in groups
Groups can number from dozens to hundreds of individuals
Female-centered order and hierarchy exist within the group
Personality
Gentle and non-aggressive
Runs away quickly when predators approach
Curious, but cautious and wary
Activity
Diurnal, foraging and moving during the day
May travel wide areas in search of water
- Ecological Characteristics
Diet: Herbivorous (grasses, leaves, and shrub buds)
Reproduction:
Males join female-dominated groups
Males form harems during the breeding season
Defense:
Living in groups, they have a wide field of vision and protect themselves from predators
Ability to run quickly when needed
Adaptations:
Adapted to grasslands and semi-arid regions
Long-distance migration and tolerance of arid environments
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.
Eland Personality Characteristics
Calm and docile
Non-aggressive and generally peaceful
Few conflicts within the pack, maintaining order
Highly alert
Sensitive to predators (lions, leopards, baboons, etc.) and humans
Quickly flee when sensing danger
Scans a wide area as a group to ensure safety
Highly social
Live in groups, with female-centered order
Males use light threatening and intimidating techniques to protect the pack during breeding season
Strong bonds between females and between mothers and their young
Curious but cautious
Shows interest in new environments and new things, but does not jump on them immediately
Movement is calm and avoids sudden movements
Breeding Season Behavior
Males use their horns to lightly harass other males to protect their harem
Violent combat is rare, and they tend to avoid injury
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.
- Lifestyle
Living in groups
Groups can number from dozens to hundreds of individuals, and are governed by females.
Males form harem-like groups during the breeding season.
Diurnal
Forage and move during the day.
Rest and stay alert at night.
- Diet
Herbivore
Eat mainly grasses, leaves, and shrub shoots.
Able to digest low-nutrient grasses, allowing them to survive in arid regions.
Hydration
Uses water sources, but also obtains moisture from plants, even in arid regions.
Foraging Behavior
Forages simultaneously as a group while checking the surrounding area for safety.
Travels long distances to secure food.
- Reproduction and Rearing
Reproduction
Males join a female-dominated herd.
During the breeding season, males protect the herd and lightly warn other males.
Gestation Period
Approximately 9 months
Birth
Only one calf is born.
The entire herd protects the calf.
Development
Calves accompany their mother and the herd, becoming independent within 1-2 years.
They learn social rules and how to forage and move around.
- Habitat Adaptation
Adapted to savannas and semi-arid regions.
Strong hooves and legs allow for long-distance travel and foraging in arid areas.
They are highly adept at moving over large distances in herds and securing water and food.
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies will be lions and wolves. Large carnivorous mammals attack.
About Eland Calves
This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and developmental stages of eland calves.
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 9 months
Litter Size: Usually one calf
Birthing Location: A safe spot in the herd or a hidden spot in the grassland
Newborn Characteristics:
Weight: Approximately 15-25 kg
Height: Approximately 60-80 cm
Fur color is light brown, lighter than that of adults
Horns are still small, and gender differences are not very noticeable
- Relationship with Mother
Immediately after birth, newborns accompany their mothers, learning to walk and forage
They remain safe under the protection of the herd
Mothers become increasingly vigilant to protect their young
- Growth and Behavior
1-3 Months Old:
Practices walking and foraging while clinging to the mother within the herd
Nips grass little by little, and weaning begins
6 Months Old:
Forages and moves with the herd
Observes parental behavior and learns social rules
1-2 Years Old:
Develops independence and establishes its position within the herd
Learns breeding behavior before becoming fully independent
- Characteristics
Coat Color: Newborns are light-colored, and adulthood is light brown or reddish-brown, depending on the species
Personality: Curious, learns by observing the behavior of the mother and herd
Defense: Protected by the mother and herd, avoids predators
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.
- Global Conservation Status (IUCN Red List)
Species Classification (Threat Level) Comments
Grey Eland (Taurotragus oryx) LC (Least Concern) Widely distributed in southern and eastern Africa, populations are relatively stable.
Kalahari Land (Taurotragus derbianus) NT (Near Threatened) Distributed in western and central Africa, with localized declines due to deforestation and hunting.
Key Points: The Grey Eland’s population is stable and not endangered, but the Kalahari Land is Near Threatened, requiring attention due to habitat loss.
- Causes of Extinction Risk
Hunting Pressure
Hunting for meat and horns
Habitat loss
Agricultural land development, deforestation, and road construction
Localized population decline
Kalahari Land is particularly affected by deforestation.
- Conservation Status in Japan
No natural distribution
Individuals kept in zoos are for conservation and breeding purposes
Imported and captive breeding are prohibited. Managed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and domestic law
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.
- Legal and Conservation Regulations
Internationally, they are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and their import and export are subject to restrictions.
Even in Japan, under the Wildlife Protection Act, private captivity is prohibited.
Captivity is limited to zoos, research facilities, and conservation facilities.
- Ecological Reasons
Large herbivores
Height: Approximately 1.5-1.8 m
Weight: 250-1,000 kg
They navigate a wide range of terrain and forage.
Homes and small spaces lack sufficient space.
They require social life. Being kept alone can be stressful.
They have unique dietary habits.
They eat large amounts of grass, leaves, and fruit.
Nutrition and hydration are difficult to maintain at home.
- Health and Safety
They are large and powerful, making them dangerous to keep at home.
They have strong wild instincts and may escape or become violent.
Inappropriate captivity increases the risk of stress and disease.
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