Endangered Species Guide : Mammals : Animal Planet

Endangered Mammals

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WESTERN GIANT ELAND (Taurotragus oryx gigas)

Elands are the largest of all antelopes. They are commonly used for milk or hunted for their meat and hides. The western giant eland has large ears, spiral pointed horns and vertical white stripes on its cinnamon-brown body. It lives in Central and West Africa, and is rapidly disappearing throughout its range because of habitat loss, primarily due to agricultural expansion.

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USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threat: Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion
Habitat: Tropical savanna
Location: Central and West Africa
Diet: Fruits, leaves, flowers, bark and other plant parts

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Pictures: AP Photo |

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