The majestic and mighty Eland Antelope is a popular figure in the tales and stories of the Bushmen. Standing at a shoulder height of just under 170 cm and weighing up to 900 kg, Eland bulls are the largest antelopes in the world. Cows are somewhat smaller and of a more delicate build, weighing significantly less. Both genders sport horns. Elands are not very fast but are good endurance runners. They primarily feed on leaves but also enjoy the nutritious savannah grass in summer.
Tragelaphus oryx
Eland Antelope
The Eland Antelope, known as Eland in both German and English, often announces its approach with a characteristic clicking noise. This clicking is particularly audible when larger herds are approaching. There are various theories on how the clicking sound is produced. The most common assumption is that the antelope's hooves, spreading out on the ground under the weight of the animal when landing, quickly clap back together when lifting off.
Common Eland
Savannah's Elk
GUIDE KNOWLEDGE: ELAND
Elands are the largest antelopes living in Africa. There are two species: the Common Eland and the Giant Eland. The latter isn't necessarily larger but has longer horns. Not only the impressive size and twisted horns characterize these large antelopes but also the distinctive shoulder region, often referred to as the "shoulder bump," which gives the animals a powerful stature. Despite their size, Eland Antelopes have tremendous jumping ability: most animals effortlessly overcome fences of 2.5 meters in height.
Unlike many other antelopes, the Eland is a leaf eater. Occasionally, especially in the summer months, grass is also on the menu. However, they much prefer digging with their front hooves for tubers and roots.
At KAMBAKU, Elands are encountered in smaller herds of around 25 animals. Typically, an adult bull lives here with several cows and calves. During the dry season, family units also join together to form a large herd. It's an impressive sight when more than 100 of these large antelopes pass by us. Similar to Oryx Antelopes, Elands are well adapted to the dry heat of the savannah. Eland's body temperature can increase by up to seven degrees, thereby reducing water loss through sweating.