What kind of animal is the eland? An updated explanation of its characteristics, ecology, and habitat

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

What are the roots and origins of the eland?

The eland is one of the largest species of antelope found in Africa. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Bovidae, the subfamily Bovinae, and the genus Taurotragus. Two species are primarily recognized today.

① Ancestors: African bovids from about 20 million years ago

The distant ancestors of the eland were primitive bovids that evolved in Africa approximately 20 million years ago (during the Miocene epoch).

Their evolutionary path proceeded as follows:

Primitive bovids
↓
Divergence into large, hoofed herbivores
↓
Tribe Tragelaphini
↓
Group including elands, kudus, nyalas, and bongos

The tribe Tragelaphini, which includes the eland, is believed to have emerged around 6 million years ago during the Late Miocene.

② Close relatives: Kudus and bongos

Although they resemble cattle in appearance, their closest living relatives are:

Close relatives:

Kudus

Bongos

Nyalas

Sitatungas

…and other antelopes characterized by spiraled horns.

While their massive bodies make them look like cattle, from an evolutionary standpoint, they are a group of African antelopes that have evolved to a large size.

③ Existence of ancient elands (extinct species)

Fossil records indicate that elands already existed during the Pleistocene epoch (approximately 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago).

Representative ancient species:

Taurotragus arkelli

Inhabited East Africa during the Pleistocene

A candidate ancestor for the modern Cape eland

Fossils discovered in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

It is believed to have possessed more primitive characteristics than modern elands.

④ Divergence of the Common Eland and the Giant Eland

The two extant species—

the Common Eland
(primarily Southern and Eastern Africa)

and

the Giant Eland
(West to Central Africa)

are estimated to have diverged approximately 1.6 million years ago.

Possible reasons for this divergence include:

climate change

expansion of grassland environments

regional differences in food resources

habitat fragmentation caused by ice ages

and so on.

⑤ Why did they grow so large?

The reasons for the Eland’s large size are primarily as follows:

Defense against predators

In Africa,

lions,

hyenas,

and African wild dogs

were among the large carnivores present.

A larger body offers advantages such as:

being less vulnerable to attack

the ability to travel long distances

the ability to defend the herd collectively

Adaptation to grassland environments

Elands are capable of eating:

grass

tree leaves

fruit

twigs

They developed efficient digestive capabilities that allow them to survive in arid environments.

Reduced dependence on water

Elands have a high capacity for obtaining moisture from plants, enabling them to live in dry regions.

This served as a major advantage for survival in the savannas and semi-arid zones of Africa.

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).

1. 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.

2. 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.
3. 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.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Vocalizations

Eland vocalizations vary widely, ranging from very subdued sounds—surprising given their massive size—to deep, resonant tones. They are particularly known for a distinctive “clicking sound.”

① Key Feature: The “Clicking Sound from the Knees”

When walking, elands sometimes produce dry, clicking sounds:

“Click… click…”

“Clack, clack”

These sounds do not originate from the mouth or throat; instead, they are believed to be caused primarily by the movement of leg joints and tendons.

Why do they make this sound?

While the exact function is not yet fully understood, the leading theories include:

Signaling the male’s size

Asserting presence within the herd

Intimidating others or establishing social rank

Signaling to herd members at a distance

Larger males, in particular, tend to produce louder clicking sounds.

② Sounds for Everyday Communication

Elands are generally quiet animals, but they do make the following sounds depending on the situation:

Calves (Young Elands)

“Maa”

“Mya”

Soft bleating sounds

Used to call for their mothers.

Adults

When sensing danger or similar situations:

Low growls

Snorting sounds

Short alarm calls

③ Male Intimidation Sounds

During the breeding season, males engage in behaviors such as:

Snorting

Low growling

Stamping the ground

While male elands do fight using their horns, they rarely clash immediately; instead, they compete through a progression of stages:

Body size assessment

↓

Displaying horns to one another

↓

Clicking sounds and intimidation displays

↓

Physical clash (if necessary)

④ Why Elands Rarely Vocalize

Although elands are large herbivores of the savanna, they do not vocalize as frequently as deer or monkeys.

The reasons include:

They live in herds and rely heavily on visual communication

They do not want to reveal their location to predators

Their large size reduces the need to call out to herd members

Seasonal Activities

Eland activity is heavily influenced by the shift between the rainy and dry seasons. In the African savanna, factors such as vegetation volume, water availability, and breeding conditions change with the seasons, causing eland to alter their movement, foraging, and reproductive behaviors.

Spring (Start of the rainy season: roughly October to March, depending on the region)

Activities

Active foraging

Herds move over wide areas

Consuming large amounts of young grass

Rainfall leads to an increase in:

New shoots

Tender grass

Tree leaves

…making this the period when eland can most easily obtain nutrients.

Preparation for breeding

Males increase behaviors such as:

Displaying their physique

Making loud clicking sounds

Following herds of females

Summer (Rainy season: a time of abundant vegetation)

Peak activity

Summer is the most comfortable season for eland.

Foraging

They primarily eat:

Grass

Tree leaves

Fruit

Young branches

Although eland are herbivores, they are mixed feeders (browsers and grazers) that adjust their diet according to conditions.

Herd behavior

During the rainy season, there is a tendency for:

Female and calf herds to grow larger

Young individuals to grow

Travel distances to decrease

Since water and food are plentiful, there is no need for long-distance travel.

Autumn (Transition to the dry season)

Adapting to dietary changes

As rainy-season vegetation begins to decline, eland change their diet.

Behaviors that increase:

Eating tree leaves

Utilizing withered grass

Moving toward water sources

They make particular use of:

Acacia species

Shrub leaves

Period of intensified male competition

As the breeding season approaches, males increase behaviors such as:

Holding their necks low

Pushing matches using their horns

Making clicking sounds

Displaying to females

Winter (Dry season: the harshest period)

*Note: The timing of the dry season varies by region in Africa. Activity Patterns

During the dry season, their routine consists of:

foraging in the morning and evening,

resting during the day,

and congregating around water sources.

Reason:

To avoid depleting their energy due to the high daytime temperatures.

On Walking Speed

Although elands appear sluggish due to their massive size, they actually possess exceptional athletic ability among large antelopes. They switch between walking, trotting, and running depending on the situation.

① Normal Walking

Approximately 3–5 km/h

During routine foraging, they walk slowly while:

Searching for grass

Browsing on leaves

Moving along with the herd

As large animals, they employ an energy-efficient walking style to avoid wasting energy.

② Trotting

Approximately 8–15 km/h

They switch from a walk to a trot when sensing danger or when the herd is on the move.

Characteristics:

Moving with an up-and-down motion of the neck

Capable of maintaining the pace for long periods

The entire herd keeps the same pace

Elands excel at long-distance travel rather than short-burst explosive power.

③ Running Speed ​​(Top Speed)

Elands are capable of reaching speeds of up to:

Approximately 40–70 km/h

Body Weight:

Females: Approx. 300–600 kg

Males: Approx. 500–900 kg or more

It is remarkable that they can achieve such speeds with such massive bodies.

Why can they run fast despite their large size?

1. Long Legs

Elands have very long legs,

Allowing for a long stride

Covering distance with fewer steps

2. Elastic Tendons

The tendons in their legs act like springs,

Absorbing the impact of landing

Utilizing that energy for the propulsion of the next step

3. Body Temperature Regulation

While large animals tend to overheat when running, elands employ a strategy of:

Moving slowly over long distances

Running at high speeds only when necessary

About Eland Calves

This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and developmental stages of eland calves.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.