Eland

The cow-like eland is one of the world’s largest antelope but it’s also the slowest, reaching speeds of just 25 miles per hour. However, to make up for this lack of pace, the eland has the endurance to maintain a trot for long periods of time and can jump great heights from a standstill.

Eland are non-territorial and often form large herds of 100 individuals or more! Both males and females have large spiralled horns – males will rub them against objects to show their strength and ferocity, whilst females will use theirs to defend calves against predators.

When walking, males produce a loud clicking noise. This is thought to be caused by the slipping of tendons over the knee joint or another foot bone.  This sharp noise can travel for some distance and is a good indication of an approaching herd.