Specie Name :                       Cape Eland

Scientific Name :     Tragelaphus oryx

Description :
                                      The biggest antelope, Massive with an ox-like appearance.
                                                Cows grey-brown, bulls more grey and old bulls turn blue-grey.
                                                Adult bulls can be identified by a tuft of stiff hair on the forehead, a prominent hump on the                                      
                                                shoulder, a loose dewlap of skin on the throat and the horns.

Horns:
                                    Both sexes have straight V-shaped horns with spiraling ridges.
                                                The bull's horns are thicker with heavier ridges, but not necessarily longer.

Mass:
                                    Males 700 kg and up to 900kg, cows 450kg.

Habitat :
                                    Very adaptable and therefore occurring widely.

Behavior :
                                  Herd animals.
                                              Gather in herds of 5 - 20 and more. Old bulls also encountered singly or in groups of 2 - 3.
                                              Not territorial and roam over great distances.
                                              Feed predominantly on leaves and will also graze. Independent of water, but if grazing in dry                                  
                                              and water is available, they will drink regularly.
                                              Calve throughout the year with a peak in spring.
                                              Gestation 9 months, the new-born calf is reddish in colour and remains concealed.

Hunt Method :
                                  Be sure to carry water, for you may end up walking a long way on the trail of these   wanderers.
                                              Despite its great bulk, the eland is agile, fast and silent.
                                              Its smell and hearing are excellent and it can move like a phantom through the bush and trot                                
                                            great distances if pursued.
                                            Follow only very fresh tracks.
                                            A spoor of a mere few hours old may be kilometers from the actual animal.
                                            Also do not confuse the spoor with those of cattle as they do look similar.
                                          A diagonal shot has to penetrate a lot of flesh and the eland also has massive shoulder bones.
                                          Use an adequate caliber therefore, and bullets that don't break up too easily.