Eland

Species: Eland
Habitat: Savanna
Status: Least Concerned
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

The common eland is a species located in the open plains and savanna of southern Africa extending north into Ethiopia. They occupy a wide variety of habitats but prefer the semi-arid areas of their range. However, they do avoid dense forests. Their preferred diet is grasses, leaves and shrubs.

The common eland, found at Disney's Animal Kingdom, is the second largest species of antelope in the world, only behind its cousin the giant eland. It is sexually dimorphic, with males being significantly larger than females. Both males and females have horns.

Elands congregate in herds, with sometimes as many as 500 animals living together. The herd includes for the most part females and their young. Males are included as well but will wander off individually or in small bachelor herds. Often they can be found amongst other animals such as zebra and other species of antelope. They often use barks to communicate, but also use a variety of postures, as well. For example, if a predator is spotted the males will bark and pace back and forth attracting attention to himself as a warning to the rest of the herd.

Predators include lions, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs. The young are also vulnerable to cheetahs. Humans also hunt the animal for food and leather.

Common elands are not endangered. However, population numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and poaching. Furthermore, locally populations are in bigger danger. For example, the animal is no longer found in Burundi or Angola. Elands are docile and are being domesticated for meat and milk in South Africa and Russia.