Which African antelope is the largest species in the world?

The giant eland is the largest antelope species in the world.

Native to parts of western and central Africa, the giant eland is a massive spiral-horned bovid. It is closely related to the common eland but is larger and has different body markings and range. Both sexes carry horns, although males are generally heavier and have thicker necks.

Despite its size, the giant eland is an agile browser and grazer. It feeds on leaves, grasses, herbs and other vegetation, shifting its diet with local conditions. Herds can travel across woodland and savanna in search of food and water.

The species is divided into recognized regional forms, including the western giant eland and the eastern giant eland. Habitat conversion and hunting have reduced populations in parts of its range. The common eland is also very large, but it is not the world’s largest antelope.