The common eland (Taurotragus oryx) is the largest species of antelope and a member of the family Bovidae, subfamily Bovinae. It inhabits the savannas, open woodlands, and grasslands of sub‑Saharan Africa, ranging from Kenya and Tanzania in the east to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola in the south, and westward into Senegal and Mali. Adults stand 1.5–2.1 m tall at the shoulder and possess a robust, barrel‑shaped body covered in a tawny to dark brown coat marked with faint vertical stripes on the flanks. Both sexes bear long, lyre‑shaped horns that curve outward then inward, reaching up to 1.5 m in males. The species is diurnal, feeding on a wide variety of grasses, leaves, and fruits, and can survive long dry periods by extracting moisture from its food. Socially, elands form mixed herds of females and juveniles, while mature males either join these groups temporarily or maintain separate bachelor groups. The IUCN classifies the common eland as Least Concern, reflecting its broad distribution and large overall population, estimated at several hundred thousand individuals. Nevertheless, local declines have been recorded where hunting pressure, habitat conversion, and competition with livestock are intense.

Common elands are highly gregarious and display a flexible social structure that changes with season and resource availability. Female-led herds typically consist of 10–30 individuals, including calves and sub‑adult females, and move together in search of fresh grazing. Mature males are territorial during the rut, establishing and defending small home ranges of 2–5 km² that contain preferred water sources and high‑quality browse. Outside the breeding season, bulls may form loose bachelor groups or remain solitary, often joining female herds temporarily to feed. Elands are primarily diurnal, with peaks of activity at dawn and dusk when they travel up to 15 km per day. Communication relies on a repertoire of low‑frequency vocalizations, such as grunts and snorts, as well as visual signals like horn displays, ear positioning, and body posture. Scent marking is performed by urinating on vegetation and by the secretions from the preorbital glands, which help maintain herd cohesion and delineate male territories.

The common eland is a mixed feeder with a strong preference for grasses, but it also browses on leaves, shoots, fruits, and tubers, especially during the dry season when grass quality declines. Studies in Kruger National Park show that elands consume up to 12 kg of forage per day, selecting high‑protein grasses such as Themeda triandra and Digitaria spp., as well as browse from Acacia and Combretum species. Their large rumen allows efficient fermentation of fibrous material, enabling them to extract sufficient moisture and nutrients from arid vegetation. Elands are known to travel long distances—up to 30 km per day—in search of fresh grazing and water, and they often feed in groups, which reduces individual predation risk. Seasonal dietary shifts are pronounced: during the wet season, the diet is >80 % grass, while in the dry season browse can comprise up to 60 % of intake. Their ability to utilize a broad range of plant types makes them important ecosystem engineers, influencing vegetation structure and seed dispersal.

Females reach sexual maturity at 2–3 years, while males mature later at 3–4 years. The breeding season is loosely synchronized with the onset of the rainy season, typically between November and February in southern Africa, ensuring that abundant forage supports lactating females and growing calves. After a gestation period of 240–260 days, a single calf is born, weighing 30–45 kg. Births usually occur in concealed locations within dense vegetation, and the neonate is able to stand and follow the mother within an hour. Calves are nursed for 4–6 months, during which they receive rich milk containing up to 12 % fat. Maternal care is intensive; the mother protects the calf from predators and leads it to feeding sites. Weaning is completed by eight months, after which the young join the female herd. Inter‑birth intervals average 12–14 months in optimal conditions, but can extend to 18 months during droughts or when food is scarce.

The IUCN lists the common eland as Least Concern, with a global population estimated between 500,000 and 1,000,000 individuals. However, regional populations face several anthropogenic pressures. Unregulated hunting for meat and trophies reduces numbers in many countries, particularly where enforcement is weak. Habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural expansion, mining, and infrastructure development diminish the extensive grazing lands required by large herds. Competition with livestock for water and forage can lead to overgrazing, lowering the quality of the eland’s food resources. Disease transmission from domestic cattle, such as bovine tuberculosis and foot‑and‑mouth disease, poses additional mortality risks. Climate change may exacerbate drought frequency, further stressing water‑dependent populations. Conservation actions include protected‑area management, anti‑poaching patrols, community‑based wildlife programs, and monitoring of population trends to ensure that declines remain localized and do not threaten the species as a whole.

• The common eland can run at speeds up to 70 km/h despite its massive size.
• It has one of the longest gestation periods among antelopes, lasting about 8.5 months.
• Elands can drink up to 30 liters of water in a single session during the dry season.
• Their horns continue to grow throughout life and can develop ridges that indicate age.
• In some cultures, eland meat is considered a delicacy and is used in traditional ceremonies.