The giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus), also known as the Lord Derby eland, is an open-forest savanna antelope. A species of the family Bovidae and genus Taurotragus, it was first described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220–290 cm (87–110 in). There are two subspecies: T. d. derbianus and T. d. gigas.
As a herbivore, the giant eland eats grasses, foliage and branches. They usually form small herds consisting of 15–25 members, both males and females. Giant elands are not territorial, and have large home ranges. They are naturally alert and wary, which makes them difficult to approach and observe. They can run at up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and use this speed as a defence against predators. Mating occurs throughout the year but peaks in the wet season. They mostly inhabit broad-leafed savannas, woodlands and glades.
The giant eland is native to Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan. It is no longer present in Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. Its presence is uncertain in Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Uganda. The subspecies have been listed with different conservation statuses by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Read more about Giant Eland: Etymology, Taxonomy, Physical Description, Genetics and Evolution, Habitat and Distribution, Ecology and Behaviour, Diet, Reproduction, Populations, Threats and Conservation, Uses
Famous quotes containing the word giant:
“Haze, char, and the weather of All Souls:
A giant absence mopes upon the trees:”
—Richard Wilbur (b. 1921)