The eland is hunted for its meat in Africa, where its numbers are dwindling. The male eland's size generally discourages attacks except from predators working in collaboration. The smaller female elands are thought to be much more vulnerable to predators. Male elands assess each other's status by means of horn-tangling. When a male antelope confronts another of the same species, they usually bang horns, then twist necks in an attempt to throw each other to the ground.
Antelopes live mostly on grass or leaves.
They graze during the wet season when young grasses are readily available. At other times they browse on bark and succulent buds. Female elands reach sexual maturity at three years of age. Males breed successfully from 1 to 3 years after their female peers. Eland cows usually give birth just before the rains begin.