Giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus) The giant eland, also known as the Lord Derby's eland, is the largest species of antelope in the world. These animals can be found in the wild in two different remote areas of central Africa. Giant elands are found in sparse forest during the day to take shelter from the heat. When it is cooler in the morning and evening they search for food in the surrounding grasslands. They can also be found in mountainous regions. They are primarily nocturnal and can live in social herds of up to 25 individuals. When young reach weaning age at 4-6 months, they leave their mothers permanently and join other juvenile herds.