Along with many other herd animals, antelopes have four-chambered ruminant stomachs which enables them to make the best use of available food. The Common Eland previously inhabited grassland and open woodlands in East, South and Central Africa. They are now found only in game reserves and ranches. In the breeding season elands form herds of up to several hundreds. They are highly mobile and have large home ranges.
Elands travel large distances through the year.
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.