giant eland

mammal

Also known as: Derby eland, Taurotragus derbianus

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July 23, 2026

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The giant eland is one of two species of very large, oxlike African antelopes belonging to the spiral-horned antelope tribe Bovidae. It is the largest of all antelopes, with bulls reaching shoulder heights of 150–180 cm (59–71 inches) and weighing up to 1 metric ton (2,200 pounds).1

The giant eland (T. derbianus) is a woodland antelope and is classified as a Vulnerable Species. Its population has declined due to habitat conversion and hunting, with fewer than 10,000 adults remaining. There are two subspecies: the eastern giant eland, found across central Africa, and the western giant eland, which is limited to three reserves in Senegal.12

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eland
The giant eland (T. derbianus), which is also known as the greater eland, the Derby eland, or Lord Derby’s eland, is a woodland antelope that often feeds on the broad-leaved doka tree (Isoberlinia doka), whereas the common, or Cape, eland (T. oryx) frequents woodlands, plains, mountains,…
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The giant eland (T. derbianus), which is also known as the greater eland, the Derby eland, or Lord Derby’s eland, is a woodland antelope that often feeds on the broad-leaved doka tree (Isoberlinia doka), whereas the common, or Cape, eland (T. oryx) frequents woodlands, plains, mountains,…
Read More

antelope
…kg [4 pounds]) to the giant eland (1,000 kg [2,200 pounds]). (The North American pronghorn antelope looks and acts much like a gazelle but belongs in a separate family, the Antilocapridae.) Africa, with some 71 species, is the continent of antelopes. Only 14 species inhabit the entire continent of Asia,…
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…kg [4 pounds]) to the giant eland (1,000 kg [2,200 pounds]). (The North American pronghorn antelope looks and acts much like a gazelle but belongs in a separate family, the Antilocapridae.) Africa, with some 71 species, is the continent of antelopes. Only 14 species inhabit the entire continent of Asia,…
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What Is the Largest Antelope?
…two species of eland: the giant, or Derby, eland (Taurotragus derbianus) and the common, or Cape, eland (T. oryx). Their size ranges generally overlap. Bulls of these species can weigh over a ton, or up to 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). They can grow to heights at the shoulder of 180…
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…two species of eland: the giant, or Derby, eland (Taurotragus derbianus) and the common, or Cape, eland (T. oryx). Their size ranges generally overlap. Bulls of these species can weigh over a ton, or up to 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). They can grow to heights at the shoulder of 180…
Read More