Eland

=Eland=


 * Description**

The Common Eland is considered alongside the Giant Eland,also known as the largest species of an"antelope". Its full scientific name is Taurotragus oryx. Though in many respects the Elands are quite like bovines. Females weigh 660–1,300 lb also measure up to 79–110 inches from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 49–60 inches at the shoulder. Bulls weigh 880–2,200 lb, and they measure up to 94–136 inches from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 59–72 inches at the shoulder. The tail adds a further 20–35 inches. Females have a tan coat, while males have a darker tan coat with a blueish-grey tinge. There may also be a series of white stripes vertically on the sides of bulls. Males have dense fur on their foreheads and a large dewlap. Both sexes have horns, about 26 inches long and with a steady spiral ridge. The female's horns are wider set and thinner than the male's.

Common Eland are sometimes farmed or hunted for their meat, and in some cases can be better utilized than cattle due to their being more suited to their natural habitat. This has led to some Southern African farmers switching from cattle to eland.
 * Human Use**

Common Eland live on the open plains of southern Africa and along the foothills of the great South African plateau. They eat grass, branches and leaves and are diurnal but tend to be inactive during the heat of day. Herds usually have 30 to 80 individuals, but are known to exceed 400. The Common Eland has an unusual social life, leaving or joining herds as necessary without forming close ties.
 * Habitats**



Due to the eland’s size, its rich milk, and tasty meat it is becoming an increasingly popular ranch animal. Hyenas and lions tend to take eland cubs.
 * Pedators**

Female elands reach sexual maturity at three years of age. Males breed successfully from 1 to 3 years after their female peers. Eland cows usually give birth just before the rains begin. They almost always bear single calves. Calves wean from 3-6 months old. Occasionally, eland babies are taken by hyenas or lions. Eland cows are known to attack predators near their calves.
 * Reproduction and Growth**

Like other antelopes, eland are somewhat independent of drinking and since they are able to meet most of their needs from the water contained in plants they eat. Some of the strategies eland use in water conservation are common to all antelopes. Seeking shade during the hottest part of the day and feeding during the coolest part is one strategy. Other water preservation strategies include the ability to concentrate urine to water, heat storage, and the ability to allow body temperature to rise.
 * Adaptations**

[|austin guzman.pdf]

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