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Eland are mammals, and a member of either species
of the Taurotragus genus of antelope.
Eland Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Taurotragus
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Other Names: Antelope, Oryx,
Eland in Foreign Languages:
Irish: éalann
Navajo: tl'ée'go jádítsoh
Swahili: Mbunga
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Size: Elands are world's largest antelope.
Elands stand 6 feet at the shoulder, and weigh
just over 2000 lbs. Both common eland and the
giant eland are similar in size.
Habitat: Elands are found in Africa.
Elands are found in grassland, mountain, subdesert,
acacia savanna and miombo woodland areas.
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Eland Species Include:
Common Eland (aka
Southern Eland or Eland Antelope) - Taurotragus
Oryx
Giant Eland (aka Lord Derby Eland)
- Taurotragus Derbianus
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Description: Elands have unique spiral horns
that can measure 3 feet in length. Elands have a slight
hump at their shoulders. An eland's coat is reddish-brown,
chestnut, light tan, to gray. Elands usually have a
thick shaggy mane.
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Diet: Elands are herbivores,
they feed on grass, succulent fruits, shrubs and
leaves.
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Did You Know?
Elands are nomadic, and tend to move
as they graze.
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Gestation: Elands carry their young for 250-270
days.
Birth: Elands give birth to a single calf at
a time. Elands wean their young after about 6 months.
Sexually Mature: Female elands reach sexual
maturity at 3 years of age, while males sexually mature
between the ages of 4-7.
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Life Span: Elands have an average life
span of 15-20 years.
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Did You Know?
Elands ca go for long periods without
drinking, Elands get much of their moisture
from their food.
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Social Structure: Elands are found in groups
of 100 members.
Athleticism: Elands can travel at speeds of
up to 43 mph. Elands can jump up to heights of up to
4.5 feet.
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