Eland in East Africa: Species Profile of Africa's Largest Antelope

An eland looks more like a small ox than a typical antelope. Bulls are massive, with thick necks and deep dewlaps, yet despite their bulk they are shy and nervous, and a herd will usually move away well before a vehicle gets close.

This profile covers identification, behaviour, diet, conservation and the parks where eland are most often seen.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Identification

The eland is a tawny, fawn or greyish animal with a heavy body, a pronounced dewlap hanging from the throat and a tuft of hair on the forehead. Faint white vertical stripes sometimes appear on the flanks. Both sexes have thick, straight horns with a loose spiral twist, and the horns of females are usually longer and thinner than those of bulls. Old bulls become greyer and develop a dark patch of hair on the forehead. They can weigh well over half a tonne, making them far larger than any other antelope you are likely to meet.

Behaviour and the Clicking Sound

Despite their size, eland are good jumpers and can clear a fence of around two metres from a standing start. They are also capable of sustained trotting, which is how they cover large distances. As eland walk, a clicking sound often comes from the legs, probably from tendons slipping over bones. The sound carries and can help herds keep in contact. When disturbed, eland tend to trot away rather than gallop, and they keep up an efficient pace for a long time.

Diet and Habitat

Eland are mixed feeders that take mostly leaves, shoots, fruits and flowers, with grass eaten at certain times. They use their horns to break branches and bring food within reach. They live in a range of habitats, from open savanna and bush to semi-desert and mountain slopes, and they can survive on little free water, taking moisture from plants. This lets them use dry country that other large herbivores avoid.

Herd Life

Eland live in loose herds that can number from a few to hundreds in the best conditions. Herds have no fixed territory and have a clear hierarchy, with older bulls dominant. Bulls test each other by clashing horns and measuring dewlaps and size. Calves are born through much of the year in some regions, and they are left lying in cover during the first days, then join nursery groups under the watch of a few adults. Their shyness makes eland difficult to approach on foot.

Predators and Conservation

Lions are the main predators of adult eland, with hyenas, leopards and wild dogs taking calves and young animals. The species is widespread and listed as of low concern, but eland have declined where hunting, fencing and livestock competition reduce habitat. In some areas, herds are managed on private land. Protected areas where eland thrive are signs of large, connected landscapes. To see how that fits into wider conservation, read responsible travel in East Africa.

Where to See Eland

In Uganda, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo are the best places to look, and Kidepo's open valleys offer broad views. In Kenya, eland live in the Masai Mara, Laikipia, Samburu and Nairobi National Park. In Tanzania, the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ruaha have good numbers. The giant eland, a separate species with larger horns, lives in West and Central Africa and is not part of an East African safari.

Photography and Related Species

Eland are shy, so a long lens and patience are needed. Turn off the engine as soon as you are within sensible range, and let the herd settle. A mist-lit morning or a dusty late afternoon gives a strong atmosphere. Compare eland with the smaller waterbuck and the buffalo in the buffalo profile, and read about wider antelope types in gazelle, antelope and deer and safari photography tips.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
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• Plan your safari with our team