COMMON ELAND Meaning and
Definition
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The Common Eland, or Taurotragus oryx, is a large African antelope species characterized by its majestic appearance and imposing curved horns. This species belongs to the Bovidae family and inhabits grasslands, woodlands, and open savannahs across the eastern and southern regions of Africa.
On average, adult Common Elands measure about 1.6 to 1.9 meters in height at the shoulder and can weigh between 400 to 1,000 kilograms. Males are generally larger and more robust than females, and both genders exhibit reddish-brown coats with vertical white stripes along their torso. Another notable characteristic of the Common Eland is the presence of a prominent flap of skin, known as a dewlap, on the neck of males, which they use for display during mating rituals.
These herbivorous mammals primarily feed on grass, leaves, and fruits, and possess a unique ability to digest plant material that is typically indigestible by other ruminants. This adaptive digestive system assists them in efficiently extracting nutrients from the vegetation available in their habitats.
Common Elands are well-known for their remarkable ability to leap, with reports of individuals jumping up to 2.5 meters in height. These impressive leaps aid them in traversing obstacles such as fences, fallen trees, or steep slopes, and are also believed to help them communicate with other members of their herd over long distances.
Despite being hunted extensively by humans for their meat and hides, the Common Eland's population remains relatively stable thanks to its adaptability and widespread distribution. They are revered for their beauty and grace, making them a prominent feature of many wildlife reserves and safari destinations across Africa.
Common Misspellings for COMMON ELAND
- xommon eland
- vommon eland
- fommon eland
- dommon eland
- cimmon eland
- ckmmon eland
- clmmon eland
- cpmmon eland
- c0mmon eland
- c9mmon eland
- conmon eland
- cokmon eland
- cojmon eland
- comnon eland
- comkon eland
- comjon eland
- commin eland
- commkn eland
- commln eland
Etymology of COMMON ELAND
The etymology of the word "eland" can be traced back to the Dutch language. "Eland" comes from the Dutch word "eland", which originally denoted the Eurasian elk, a large species of deer found in Europe and Asia. However, with the colonization of southern Africa by the Dutch in the 17th century, they encountered a similar-looking but unrelated animal, which they referred to as "eland" due to its resemblance to the Eurasian elk. Consequently, the name "eland" was applied to this large antelope species found in southern Africa, known scientifically as "Taurotragus oryx". The term "common" is added to distinguish it from other similar eland species, such as the giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus).
Similar spelling words for COMMON ELAND
- common eel,
- common lilac,
- common alder,
- common lettuce,
- cayman island,
- common-law,
- common laburnum,
- commonweal,
- commonalty,
- Common Wolffia,
- common elder,
- common law,
- common wallaby,
- common land,
- kamenny island,
- common louse,
- common lynx,
- commonwealth,
- common mullein,
- commonality,
- common limpet.
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