Common eland

Africa's largest species of antelope

The eland's range extends from Ethiopia and southern Zaire to South Africa.

It is the largest extant antelope. A striking dewlap hangs from their neck, males are much larger than females and both sexes have horns.

Herds are composed of up to 25 individuals with more than one breeding male, but there is a strict hierarchy of dominance over breeding females. Dominant males mate with several females and these will give birth to a young at 9 months of age. After birth, females group together to defend their young and repel predators.

Their main threat is overhunting for their meat and skin.

Conservation status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated