Cape Eland

Cape Eland

Common eland live on the open plains of Southern Africa and along the foothills of the great South African plateau. They eat grass, branches and leaves and are diurnal but tend to be inactive during the heat of day. Herds usually have 30 to 80 individuals, but are known to exceed 400. The common eland has an unusual social life, leaving or joining herds as necessary without forming close ties.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Cape Eland stands around 1.4 meters at the shoulder and females weigh 275 kilograms (600 lb) to 500kg, while bulls generally weigh about 700-800kg. Females are sometimes slightly more than half the weight of adult males, depending on the area.

They are the world’s largest antelopes, together with giant eland which are ironically about the same size. 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 centimeters (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.

STATUS

Eland, with their wide distribution throughout Southern Africa, and their huge size make for a popular trophy and the population is considered to be very stable.

WEAPONS

As the largest of all antelope species, it’s going to take a well-placed shot from a heavy bullet to put down an eland. The minimum that should be considered is 7mm magnum/30-06 with a .300 Winchester Magnum being a better choice. .375 H & H Magnum would not be considered “over-gunned” with an eland.

For the bowhunter, the heaviest draw weight that they can comfortably and accurately handle is recommended. Cut on contact broadheads and heavier arrows should be considered as penetration and kinetic energy is paramount.