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Common Eland
The common eland stands around two meters at the shoulder and weighs 275 kilograms (600 lbs) to a ton (2,200 lbs). Females are sometimes less than half the weight of adult males. This species and the so-called giant eland, which are actually about the same size as the common eland, are the largest of the antelopes. Common eland females have a tan coat, while the coat of the male is a darker tan with a blue tinge to it; there may also be a single white stripe vertically on the sides. Both sexes have horns, which are about 65 centimeters (26 in) long and almost straight.
Common eland live on the savanna and eat grass, branches, and leaves. They are diurnal but tend towards inactivity during the heat of the day. Herds are usually between 30 and 80 individuals, but are known to reach upwards of 400. The common eland has an unusual social life. They come and go, taking advantage of herd life when they need to without forming close ties.
They are very agile and can easily jump a 1.5 m fence from a standing start (sign from Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, NSW, Australia).
Predators that hunt adult eland in the wild are predominantly lions and African wild dogs (endangered).
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