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Animals: ELAND

 
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Eland -Taurotragus oryx
           
 
 
Habitat requirements    
Eland are versatile in their habitat requirements. It is one of the most adaptable ruminants, inhabiting subdesert, acacia savanna, grassland and mountainous areas. Eland avoid only swamps, forest and deserts. Eland are predominantly browsers and require trees or bushes to provide for this part of their food requirements.
 
Food preference    

Eland are predmoninantly browers, but will utilise fresh sprouting grass after a fire.  Eland can tolerate tougher and more aromatic food than other Tragelaphines. Tree species that are sought after by eland include Burkea Africana, Combretum spp, Acacia species, Euclea species and commiphora spp. The fruit of Sclerocarya birrea  and Zimenia caffra are sought after. Various plants that are considered weeds are also eaten, including Tagetes minuta and Bidens pilosa.
 
Water requirements    
Eland are not water dependable. Where water is available they drink readily and utilise about 23 litres of water per day
 
Minimum viable group size    
12
 
Sex ratio    
One male for every three females
 
Herd population growth per annum    
22 percent
 
Life span    

12 years