The common eland is not only the biggest but also the slowest antelope, having a top speed of about 40 kilometers per hour.

With a large, ox-like appearance and straight horns with one or two twists, the eland stands up to 1.83m tall and weighs up to 942kg.

It lives in sub-deserts, grasslands and woodlands of southern and eastern Africa. It is a skilled high jumper, easily clearing 2 m.

The eland is one of the most roaming antelopes. Females have home ranges of up to 500 sq km; adult males have far smaller ranges. A mixed feeder, it grazes during the rainy season and browses in the dry season.

Eland use their long horns to help get food that is out of reach. They also use their tongue to grasp food.

The eland is the most social species in its tribe; during rains, they gather into herds of several hundred, including both male and female of all ages; however, such groups are open and unstable. Females defend the young in groups, even advancing together against Lions.