This
is a short post because these Eland Antelope appeared very suddenly on the right of the vehicle and disappeared within a minute back into the bush. The Bull brought up the rear. Males are bigger than females.
Both
sexes have horns with a steady spiral ridge (resembling that of the bushbuck).
The horns are visible as small buds in newborns and grow rapidly during the
first seven months. The horns of males
are thicker and shorter than those of females and have a tighter spiral. Males
use their horns during rutting season to wrestle and butt heads with rivals,
while females use their horns to protect their young from predators.
The Eland is the slowest antelope, with a peak speed of 25 miles per hour that tires them quickly. However, they can maintain a 14 miles per hour trot indefinitely. They are capable of jumping up to 8 ft 2 in from a standing start when startled, 9.8 ft for young Elands. It's life expectancy is generally between 15 and 20 years; in captivity some live up to 25 years.
Usually,
a female chooses the most dominant and fit male to mate with. Sometimes she
runs away from males trying to mate, causing more attraction. This results in
fights between males, in which their hard horns are used. It is 2–4 hours
before a female allows a male to mount. Males usually keep close contact with
females in the mating period. The dominant male can mate with more than one
female.[ Females have a gestation period
of 9 months, and give birth to only one calf each time.
I
have a very short video that can be accessed at
http://youtu.be/Qij7LlZz16M
If
there is a black space below, click it and the video will appear.
This is yet another animal that I had never seen before so I hope you enjoyed the post.
Thank
you for you or visit and also to those who leave comments.
They look such sturdy creatures compared with the other sleek members of the antelope family. You did well to capture such clear photos in such a short time.
ReplyDeleteThe antelope are pretty animals.. Great post and video, Margaret.. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteWow, I've never know this Eland Antelope p:-) And surprising to read 'Both sexes have horns'☆☆☆
ReplyDeleteGreat post of wild animal♪
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
I loved hearing the excitement in the video-great info with your wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Margaret and a really interesting post :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be just so amazing to see these antelope just appear to get shots of. I see you were ready when they came. Great shots, and what an amazing trip you had!
ReplyDeleteThese are very exciting images Margaret. Must have been fun.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Beautiful photos of this animal, Margaret.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful viseo too.
Have a nice day.
wonderful sighting!
ReplyDeleteWow---beautiful creatures, Margaret. I've never seen them before. I did see an antelope (called Pronghorn I think) in Wyoming on one of our trips west--but it didn't look a thing like yours.. Thanks for sharing such beauty.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
They look big and powerful. Marvelous photos Margaret!
ReplyDeleteThey are quite strange looking. So something new today for me.
ReplyDeleteWOW. What a privilege to see.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures and interesting information about these animals.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen these before. Interesting animals.
ReplyDeleteWonderful sighting, Margaret! great info!
ReplyDeletesuch a gorgeous antelope! Nice sighting. :)
ReplyDelete