Eland has earned fame as the largest antelope in the world. The appearance of these animals paradoxically combines the heavy build of a bull and the slimness of an antelope.

Social behavior

Herds consist of an average of 25 individuals, but under favorable conditions can include up to 700 animals. Typically, groups consist of an adult male and several females, as well as young males and cubs.

Reproduction

The pregnancy of eland antelopes lasts 9 months. Before giving birth, the female leaves the herd, the calf is able to follow the mother from the first hours of life. Eland milk contains twice as much fat and protein compared to cow's milk, so calves grow quickly. The young animals form their own group, and at the age of two, the young animals join the adult herds.

Species and people

Thanks to the calm nature of the Eland quickly get used to people, their herds are easily managed, the animals can be tamed to manual milking. The only drawback is the jumping ability of antelopes, so pastures for them have to be fenced with a high fence. Antelope meat tastes as good as beef.

Interesting Facts

Compared to male eland antelopes, females move more.

As a rule, the female horns grow up to 63 cm, the male up to 126 cm.