Despite this large size and weight, Eland are agile and can jump over a 1.5 m fence.

 The common eland stands around two metres at the shoulder and weighs an average of 650 kilograms (1400 pounds) double that of kudu. Eland are by far the largest of the antelope found in southern Africa.

Natural enemies include lions and African hunting dogs.
The eland is the most predominant animal in the rock art of East Africa.

The name "eland" is derived from the Dutch word for moose and has its origins from the early Dutch settlers coming to southern Africa.