Eland

Distribution and Habitat: Their distribution ranges from Ethiopia, passing through southern Zaire and even South Africa. They can live in both steppes and forests, and can be found in semi-desert areas, and with 4 km elevations.

Diet: Eland are a ruminant animal and their diet is based on herbs, leaves, shrubs and even fruit. They usually feed in open areas. When water is available, it is ingested in large quantities.

Reproduction: They are typically polygamous animals. Depending on the country, breeding season tends to vary. Gestation lasts between eight to nine months and usually only one offspring, weighing 23 to 35 kg, is born. They are weaned around the age of six months and reach sexual maturity at the age of three.

Behaviour: The herds have about 25 individuals, although during the rainy season these groups may be even larger. These groups can accommodate more than one male, but only the dominant male has access to breeding females.

Conservation Status:  Least Concern (LC)

Classification

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Dimensões: 2.4 m – 3 m length

Weight: 300 kg -1000 kg

Lifespan: 23 years in Captivity

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