Giant eland, Derby eland
Taxonomy Taurotragus derbianus [Gray, 1847]. Citation: Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., [ser. 1], 20:286. Type locality: Gambia.
Click on the pictures above for a larger view of the photographs ...
Formerly ranging from Gambia to south Sudan and north-western Uganda (Wilson & Reeder, 1993), the giant eland is now restricted to Cameroon, C.A.R.
Western Giant Eland (Tragelaphus derbianus derbianus)
The western giant eland is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Bovidae.
(30 cm) high at the shoulder, to the giant eland, with a shoulder height of over 6 ft (180 cm). Most types stand 3 to 4 ft (90-120 cm) high.
There are many different species of antelope, ranging in size from the tiny Royal antelope to the Giant eland. They typically have a light, elegant figure, are slender, have graceful limbs, small cloven hoofs and a short tail.
Common Eland (T. oryx) Â- Giant Eland (T. derbianus)
Family Bovidae (subfamily Antilopinae)
Antilopini ...
Above the equator in Central African Republic, Cameroon, Benin, Congo and Sudan you find the Lord Derby OR Giant Eland, much different to their southern cousins with a more prolific neck mane and much longer horns.
This behaviour is also used on other large dangerous prey such as warthogs, cape buffalo and giraffe calves and large antelope-even the 1 ton Giant Eland.
Elands have a forelock (a tuft of mane that falls forward between its ears onto the animal's forehead) and a dewlap (a fold of skin that hangs from the lower part of the neck). The giant eland subspecies (Taurotragus oryx derbianus) has a ridge of ...
They have been reduced in numbers because: they are easily captured and killed; they yield large amounts of tender meat; their thick hide is excellent; and they suffer from rinderpest. Although the common eland is not endangered, the giant eland is ...
 See also: Eland, Antelope, Common Eland, Gazelle, Oryx
|
