Common Eland cover photo - 14708231

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The Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx), also known as the Southern Eland or Eland antelope, is a savannah and plains antelope found in East and Southern Africa. The Common Eland is considered, alongside the ironically similarly-dimensioned Giant Eland, the largest species of antelope, though in many respects the Elands are quite bovine. Females weigh 300â€“600 kg (660â€“1,300 lb), measure 200â€“280 cm (79â€“110 in) from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 125â€“153 cm (49â€“60 in) at the shoulder. Bulls weigh 400â€“1,000 kg (880â€“2,200 lb), are 240â€“345 cm (94â€“136 in) from the snout to the base of the tail and stand 150â€“183 cm (59â€“72 in) at the shoulder. The tail adds a further 50â€“90 cm (20â€“35 in). Females have a tan coat, while males have a darker tan coat with a blueish-grey tinge; there may also be a series of white stripes vertically on the sides of bulls (mainly in parts of the Karoo in South Africa). Males have dense fur on their foreheads and a large dewlap. Both sexes have horns, about 65 cm (26 in) long and with a steady spiral ridge (resembling that of the bushbuck). The female's horns are wider set and thinner than the male's. They eat branches leaves and berries .