Giant Eland

Scientific Name: Taurotragus derbianus

Fast Fact:
Even though we call these bovids “giant,” their body size is roughly the same as the common eland. Their long, twisted horns and huge dewlap are what make them appear larger.

You need Flash 8 or better to view these videos

The massive, twisted horns of the giant eland are valued in the central and western regions of Africa where they roam.

STATUS: The giant eland is classified as “lower risk / near threatened” by the World Conservation Union. Wild populations have been reduced due to hunting for their meat and hides.

HABITAT: Giant eland live in the open forests and woodlands of central Africa. There are also scattered populations in western Africa.

DIET: Giant eland eat shoots, leaves, and bushes. They will also eat freshly sprouted vegetation after a fire. A preferred food is the “munondo,” a flowering, fruiting tree. Giant eland congregate close to water.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: The giant eland is reddish-brown in color, with white vertical stripes from shoulder to rump, although old males can be grey. Males possess a prominent dewlap (a loose fold of skin hanging from the neck) with a tuft of hair. Their huge horns are an outstanding feature, and giant elands emphasize their horn size and height by strutting. The average length of the horns is 30 to 35 inches, and both sexes have them, though the females’ are shorter and thinner. Bulls weigh up to 1,800 pounds; cows are smaller, weighing from 800 to 900 pounds. Giant elands can be 60 to 70 inches tall at the shoulder.

Horned Herds

Giant elands are gregarious, usually living in herds of 10 to 30 animals. They will perform ritualistic sparring to establish dominance hierarchy. There is no set breeding season, and their young, like all hoofed mammals, are capable of running with the herd within hours after birth. Elands are crepuscular (active at dusk), feeding in the early morning and evening and resting in sheltered areas while the sun is out. Their life expectancy averages 15 to 20 years.