western giant eland

subspecies of mammal

Also known as: Taurotragus derbianus derbianus

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The western giant eland (T. d. derbianus) is a subspecies of very large, oxlike African antelope, 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). This subspecies is reddish-brown with a blackish neck and vertical white striping, and possesses large, rounded ears and heavy, widely divergent horns.1

The western giant eland is found only in three reserves in Senegal. Its population has significantly declined due to habitat conversion for agriculture and hunting by trophy hunters and poachers, leading to its classification as a vulnerable species.21

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Conservation status
…population of the highly endangered western giant eland (T. derbianus derbianus) has fallen to roughly 250. Without effective protection in its last refuges in Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park and on private game reserve, the only hope for this subspecies’ survival is a captive breeding program.
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…population of the highly endangered western giant eland (T. derbianus derbianus) has fallen to roughly 250. Without effective protection in its last refuges in Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park and on private game reserve, the only hope for this subspecies’ survival is a captive breeding program.
Read More