The common eland is a huge, ox-like antelope of eastern and southern Africa. It is surprisingly agile for its size and holds a special place in the culture and art of the San people.
Interesting facts
- The common eland is one of the two largest antelopes in the world, alongside the giant eland.
- Males make a clicking sound with their knees as they walk, which may signal their size to rivals.
- The eland is the animal most often painted in the San rock art of the Drakensberg mountains.
- Eland have been kept for milk in Russia since the 1890s.
- Both sexes have spiralled horns.
- Eland can get most of the water they need from their food.
Behaviour
Eland are nomadic and move in herds that can number hundreds. They feed mostly at dawn and dusk and at night in hot weather, and they are wary of people.
Breeding and young
After about nine months, a single calf is born. Calves join nursery groups that stay together in the herd.
Threats and conservation
Eland are widespread in protected areas but have disappeared from much of their former range because of hunting and habitat loss.
Where to see it
- uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, South Africa, alongside ancient rock art
- Nairobi National Park, Kenya
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa and Botswana
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
