THE ELAND 



endeavours have not hitherto been made to domesti- 

 cate and breed these fine animals for profit. 



The Eland, knowing its speed limitations, is very 

 wary and observant. It is usually accompanied by 

 a little feathered friend known as the Rhinoceros 

 Bird (Biiphaga), which feeds upon the ticks which 

 infest its host. These birds climb up and down 

 and under the body of the Eland with ease and 

 security, holding on with curved claws specially 

 adapted for the purpose. The birds are intensely 

 alert, and on the slightest suspicion of danger they 

 warn their Eland friends by fluttering their wings 

 and screaming, whereupon the Elands make off 

 instantly. After spending hours stalking a troop 

 of Elands, the hunter is frequently baulked by 

 these birds which, detecting his approach, raise an 

 outcry. 



The Eland is a timid and harmless animal, and, 

 unlike the majority of other large antelopes, does 

 not put up a fight when wounded and overtaken. 

 The mother Eland will, however, attempt to defend 

 her calf when attacked and overtaken by dogs. 



The hide of the Eland makes tough, durable 

 leather. 



The bull Eland has a strong tendency to grow 

 bulky and fat, so much so that when chased the 

 overburdened heart collapses and the animal drops 

 dead. 



The female is smaller than the male ; its neck 

 is not so robust, and it is minus the dark face brush. 



139 



