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Common eland
At the Detroit Zoo
The latest big thing at the Detroit Zoo is really big. A pair of common elands – the second largest species of antelope – arrived in 2012 after a 29-year hiatus. Half-siblings Brad and Clover share their African Grasslands habitat with the warthogs near the Africa Train Station.
Description
The male eland is much larger than the female. The eland is a fawn color with white, vertical stripes on its body. It turns bluish-grey with age and some even turn completely black. Its horns turn in a corkscrew pattern and it can grow up to 5 feet long. Hanging from its throat and neck is a dewlap, which is believed to help keep the eland cool in the heat. The male has a small patch of black hair on its dewlap and on its forehead. The eland has a short, erect mane and a small tuft of hair on the tip of its tail that is usually black.
Scientific name: Taurotragus oryx
Continent: Africa
Habitat: Sparse forests, semi-deserts, grasslands and mountains
Size: 4-6 feet long; up to 6 feet tall (at the shoulder)
Weight: Up to 2,200 pounds
Diet: The eland is an herbivore and eats grasses, leaves, fruits and herbs.
Reproduction: Gestation nine-months; one offspring
Lifespan: 25 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern
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FUN FACTS
The eland is both the largest and slowest antelope in the world.
The eland is able to jump 8 feet from a standstill.
The eland will use its long horns to bring food on branches and twigs within reach.
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Detroit Zoo Common Eland in the News
Click here for feature article
