Either of two species of easily tamed, oxlike antelope (genus Taurotragus ) found in herds on the plains or in lightly wooded areas of central and southern Africa.
The largest of the antelope, they may stand up to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg). They have a short, dark mane, a dewlap hanging from the throat, and long horns twisted in a tight spiral. The common eland is pale brown, becoming blue-gray with age, and often marked with narrow, vertical white stripes. The giant, or Derby, eland is reddish brown with a blackish neck and vertical white stripes and horns heavier than those of the common eland.
Giant eland ( Taurotragus derbianus )
Leonard Lee Rue III