The top 10 largest antelope in the world are among the most amazing animals in Africa’s beautiful biodiversity. These amazing animals, which have become known as large African antelope or big African antelope, are not only a representation of the variety of African antelope species however also a representation of the continent’s diverse habitats. All of these large antelope different species, primarily the rising giant eland especially the strong eland bull, are simply stunning to watch.
In this noted guidelines, we’re going to learn the top 10 largest antelope in the world, look into their distinct traits, and learn amazing information about these gigantic African antelope. if you’re a wildlife supporters or just interested about the largest antelope species, this post will catch your attention and leave you ready to learn more.
Key Takeaways
The top 10 largest antelope in the world are primarily found in Africa, showcasing the continent’s incredible biodiversity.
The giant eland holds the title of the world’s largest antelope, with males weighing up to 2,200 pounds.
Large African antelope play a crucial role in their ecosystems, from seed dispersal to maintaining grassland health.
Understanding the differences between types of antelope in Africa helps us appreciate their unique adaptations and survival strategies.
Conservation efforts are essential to protect these biggest antelope from habitat loss and poaching.
The Top 10 Largest Antelope in the World
1. Giant Eland (Taurotragus derbianus)
The giant eland is undoubtedly the largest African antelope and the world’s largest antelope species. It has reaching heights of up to 7.19–9.55 ft long and 4.20–5.94 ft tall at the shoulder and weigh 880–2,650 lb and females weigh 660–1,320 lb.
Known for its impressive spiral horns, which can grow up to 4 feet long, the giant eland is a true giant among large antelope species. They have spiral horns, a short red coat, and vertical white stripes.
Their coat is pale fawn in color, but males develop a bluish-gray tinge as they age. Elands have a robust build and are often compared to cows or moose. Giant elands live in the forests of West and Central Africa. Elands are agile and can jump over obstacles nearly 8 ft high. Fun Fact: The giant eland size comparison to other antelope is staggering—it’s nearly twice the size of some of its smaller relatives! 10 interesting facts about leopards that you need to know
2. Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx)
The common eland is the second largest antelope in the world, after the giant eland. The common eland is another member of the top 10 largest antelope in the world. The common eland (Taurotragusoryx) is a large antelope that lives in the plains and savannahs of East and Southern Africa. African antelope species: Characteristics, Adaptations and facts
Adult males can weigh up to 942 kg and stand 1.6 m tall at the shoulder. Adult females are around 1.4 m tall and weigh 340–445 kg. Both males and females have tightly spiraled horns, but the male horns are slightly larger. lands are known for their large shoulder humps and loose skin hanging from their necks called dewlaps. Elands are shy animals that can trot for hours and jump high fences. While slightly smaller than the giant eland, it is still one of the biggest antelope in Africa.
Did You Know? The eland bull size comparison reveals that males are significantly larger than females, showcasing sexual dimorphism.
3. Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
The greater kudu (\(Tragelaphusstrepsiceros\)) is a large antelope native to eastern and southern Africa. It is a striking large African antelope known for its long, twisted horns and white stripes.
It’s one of the tallest antelopes, with males weighing up to 700 pounds and having long, spiraling horns, so it make one of the largest antelope species. They can weigh up to 700 pounds and stand up to 1.55 meters tall at the shoulder. Reddish-brown coat with 6-10 white vertical stripes on the flanks. only bulls have long, spiraling horns that can grow up to 1.8 meters in length.
Quote: “The greater kudu is not only one of the biggest antelope but also one of the most graceful.” – Wildlife Expert
4. Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger)
Sable antelope are found in the southern savanna of Africa, from central Tanzania to South Africa. The sable antelope is a large antelope native to Africa. It is known for its distinctive white facial markings and vibrant coat.
The sable antelope is a standout among African antelope species. They can be 46–55 in (117–140 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 480–517 lb (220–235 kg), earning it a spot in the top 10 largest antelope in the world. They have a rich chestnut to black coat with white underbellies, cheeks, and chins. They have ringed horns that curve backward. The horns of mature bulls can be up to 1.2 m in length. The 25 Cutest Animals in the World for 2025 (With Photos)
Other facts: The sable antelope is the national animal of Zimbabwe.
The color of the sable antelope’s coat is controlled hormonally.
5. Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
The roan antelope (\(Hippotragus Equinus\)) is a large antelope species in Africa. It’s the second-largest antelope in Africa, after the eland. They are 1–2 meters tall at the shoulder and weigh 225–300 kilograms. They have a grayish-brown coat with a reddish tinge, and their underparts are lighter.
They have a black-and-white facemask with white patches around the eyes and mouth. They have long, narrow ears with tufts of hair at the tips.They can be found in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its reddish-brown coat and horse-like appearance make it a unique member of the big African antelope family.
6. Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
The waterbuck is an incredibly large, strong antelope that lives in sub-Saharan Africa. It are known for their shaggy hair, white markings, and relationship for areas near water. They’re a powerful large African antelope that can reach up to 570 pounds.
with males being roughly 25% larger than females. They have a shaggy brown-gray coat with white marks on the cheeks and neck. Only males have horns, which are long, ringed, and curve back and up. Waterbucks have large, rounded ears. Waterbucks are social and dwell in herds of up to 30 animals.
7. Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
The Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is the largest antelope species in Asia. They are found in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It’s a sturdy, thin-legged animal with a sloping back and a deep neck. Males can weigh up to 600 pounds, making them comparable to many big African antelope. It has a stand 1–1.5 meters at the shoulder. Adult males are bluish-grey, while females and juveniles are orange to tawny. Only males have horns, which are sharp, curved, and black.
8. Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus)
The bongo is a large, colorful antelope with long, spiral horns that lives in the forests of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a strikingly beautiful large antelope species with a reddish-brown coat and white stripes. The bongo is the third-largest antelope in the world. Males can weigh up to 900 pounds, placing it among the top 10 largest antelope in the world. The bongo is mostly nocturnal and moves slowly and silently through the forest. Top 20 Highest Mountains in Africa Continent
9. Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
The hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is truly a large African antelope with a distinctive look. It is notable for its large legs, sloping back, and extended nose. Males may be 5–8 feet long and weigh 165–440 pounds, so it’s one of the large antelope species. Hartebeests live on completely grasslands & scrublands in southern Africa.
10. Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)
The wildebeest, often known as the GNU, is a large antelope native to Africa. It is noted for its curved horns, fierce herding habit, and annual migration. These animals are also big African antelope that may grow to exceed 8 feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds. They’re got large, box-like skulls with wide muzzles. They have large, flattened horns that flex. Wildebeests are social species that create large herds. These creatures roam large distances in search of fresh water and meadows. renowned for its annual migration, it’s a significant component of Africa’s natural environment.
Why Are These Large Antelope Species Important?
The top 10 largest antelope in the world are more than simply magnificent animals—they provide a key function in their environments. With grazing patterns that affect the landscape to act as food for predators, such gigantic African antelope are important to the balance of nature.
FAQs About the Top 10 Largest Antelope in the World
The giant eland is the world’s largest antelope, with males weighing up to 2,200 pounds.
Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are home to many large African antelope, including the giant eland and common eland.
These big African antelope have evolved unique adaptations, such as long legs for running and specialized diets for grazing or browsing.
Conclusion
The top 10 largest antelope in the world are a testament to the beauty and diversity of Africa’s wildlife. From the towering giant eland to the majestic greater kudu, these large African antelope are a sight to behold. By understanding and appreciating these biggest antelope, we can better advocate for their conservation and ensure they continue to thrive in the wild.
So, the next time you think of Africa’s savannahs, remember the world’s largest antelope and the vital role they play in their ecosystems.
