Giant Eland
General Characteristics
The smooth coat is reddish-brown to chestnut in color, with several, well-defined vertical white stripes on the torso. A short-haired black spinal crest extends down the neck to the middle of the back. The slender legs are slightly lighter on their inner surfaces, with black and white markings just above the hooves. The bridge of the nose is charcoal black in color. A dewlap, larger in males then females, originates from between the jowls and hangs to the upper chest, with a fringe of hair on its edge. The tail is long, and ends with a dark tuft of hair. Both sexes have tightly spiraled horns, which are relatively straight. In males they form a wide "V" and can grow to 4 feet in length.
Conservation Status
The western giant eland is classified as an endangered species due to a population estimated to number less than 2500 mature individuals.
Distribution
Broad-leafed savannas and glades in two isolated pockets in central and western Africa.
Ecology and Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, giant elands are highly nomadic, with large home ranges and seasonal migration patterns. During the day, herds often rest in sheltered areas. A gregarious species, giant eland herds do not disband in the wet season, but remain together, suggesting that social, rather than ecological factors are responsible for herding. There is no evidence of territoriality, and males rarely display aggressive tendencies, even during the breeding season. Giant eland are alert and wary, making them difficult to approach and observe. They can be quite fast, running over 42 mph and, despite their size, are exceptional jumpers, easily clearing heights of 5 feet.
Family group: Herds containing up to 60 animals of both sexes have been reported, though groups of 15 to 25 are more usual. Males are often solitary.
Diet: Leaves, branches, and grasses. They drink regularly.
Main Predators: Lion, spotted hyena
The smooth coat is reddish-brown to chestnut in color, with several, well-defined vertical white stripes on the torso. A short-haired black spinal crest extends down the neck to the middle of the back. The slender legs are slightly lighter on their inner surfaces, with black and white markings just above the hooves. The bridge of the nose is charcoal black in color. A dewlap, larger in males then females, originates from between the jowls and hangs to the upper chest, with a fringe of hair on its edge. The tail is long, and ends with a dark tuft of hair. Both sexes have tightly spiraled horns, which are relatively straight. In males they form a wide "V" and can grow to 4 feet in length.
Conservation Status
The western giant eland is classified as an endangered species due to a population estimated to number less than 2500 mature individuals.
Distribution
Broad-leafed savannas and glades in two isolated pockets in central and western Africa.
Ecology and Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, giant elands are highly nomadic, with large home ranges and seasonal migration patterns. During the day, herds often rest in sheltered areas. A gregarious species, giant eland herds do not disband in the wet season, but remain together, suggesting that social, rather than ecological factors are responsible for herding. There is no evidence of territoriality, and males rarely display aggressive tendencies, even during the breeding season. Giant eland are alert and wary, making them difficult to approach and observe. They can be quite fast, running over 42 mph and, despite their size, are exceptional jumpers, easily clearing heights of 5 feet.
Family group: Herds containing up to 60 animals of both sexes have been reported, though groups of 15 to 25 are more usual. Males are often solitary.
Diet: Leaves, branches, and grasses. They drink regularly.
Main Predators: Lion, spotted hyena