Animals I Love – The Common Eland

Exploring the Common Eland

Welcome to the captivating world of the Common Eland, also known as the Southern Eland or Eland Antelope.

In this article, we'll embark on a journey to discover the wonders of this majestic species, exploring their habitat, behavior, and the unique characteristics that make them one of Southern Africa’s biggest antelope.

Meet the Common Eland

This large - sized savanna and plains antelope can be found in East and Southern Africa. Standing at an impressive 1.6 meters tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 942 kg, the Common Eland is the second - largest antelope globally, offering a spectacular sight for nature enthusiasts.

Habitat and Behavior

Common Elands thrive in diverse habitats, from savannas to woodlands, and open grasslands. They often avoid dense forests and their nomadic lifestyle allows them to adapt quickly to changing seasons.

The Drakensberg mountain plateaus is one of the wilderness areas where you can see these magnificent creatures in their natural wild habitat. Other reserves and National Parks do have them but in declining populations and rarely seen.

Social Symphony: Herd Dynamics

The social behavior of the Common Eland is extraordinary as they form herds of up to 500 individuals. With their unique communication methods, including loud barks, visual cues, and the intriguing flehmen response, they are some of the most interesting animals to watch.

Listening to a herd of Eland moving through the bush with the clicking sounds they produce with their hooves and leg joints makes one feel you are listening to Khoisan people talking from the bushes, especially in the Karoo region where they climb the rocky outcrops and stand along the ridges.

It is a very interesting myth, but living with Eland and seeing them on the majority of rock paintings dating back to hunter gatherings is said to have developed the clicking language the Khoisan people used to communicate.

A Slow and Steady Pace

Surprisingly the Common Eland holds the title of the slowest antelope with a peak speed of 40 km/h that tires them quickly. However, they can maintain a pace of 22 km/h. They have impressive jumping abilities, crossing standard 2m fencing with ease just like their cousins the Kudu.

Diet and Thermoregulation

The lowering of brain temperature below arterial blood temperature, and adaptive heterothermy, the use of heat storage to reduce body water loss by evaporation, are crucial for the survival of large mammals in arid - zone habitats.

Elands achieve cooler skin temperatures by increasing cutaneous evaporation. This allows them to feel cooler, even though their internal body temperature stays relatively the same throughout the day. The Eland can also conserve water by increasing its body temperature.

Romance on the Plains

Captive male Eland have been observed to enter into phases of intermittent heightened aggression similar to musth cycles in Elephants. This is termed “ukali” in Eland and is probably linked to raised testosterone levels, which may physically manifest in darker fur colour and increased hair growth.

Similarly, this could relate to the intensity of the clicks because androgen hormones increase muscle mass and strength, and thus the acoustic frequency of the sound produced. Combined, these characteristics serve as signals to rival males.

Guardians of the Common Eland

Common Eland are currently not endangered, and the most recent population assessment conducted by the IUCN in 2016 estimated that between 90,000-110,000, mature individuals remain across their range.

Giant Eland are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, and their numbers are believed to be declining. Habitat loss, snaring and poaching for bushmeat represent the most significant threats to remaining populations. At last estimate, there were thought to be 8,400 to 9,800 individuals remaining.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the Common Eland, we hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for these graceful giants and their integral role in the ecosystems of East and Southern Africa. Join us in celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of the Common Eland, a true testament to the wonders of the natural world.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

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