Average weight of male 600 kg (1300 lbs.) and female 400 kg (880 lbs.) Shoulder height averages at about 165 cm (66 in). Life expectancy to be around 12 years.
Identification
Southern Africa’s largest antelope and the second largest in the world. The largest member of the spiral horned family. The coat is smooth except for a rough mane, tan with a bluish-grey tinge. It has dark brown marks on the rear of the front legs just above the knee. When bulls get old, their necks turn darker in colour and they grow a tuft of hair on their foreheads.
Difference between male and female: The males are larger, muscular than the females, with a much larger developed horns that are thicker and heavier.
Habits
Cape Eland are nomadic and are found in semi desert, scrubbed to dense bush veld. Trees, shrubs and mountain grassland are important source of food to them. Drinks water when available. Feed during early morning and late afternoons. Rest in the shade during very hot days but will stay out in the sun during winter. Usually from small herds but herd of over hundreds have been sighted. Offspring will stay in nursing groups until at least 2 years old.
Breeding
A single young is born at any time during the year after a gestation period of +-9 months. Births peak normally during August – October.