Common eland young bull (Taurotragus oryx). Photo © Yathin S Krishnappa

Common eland mara

Figure 1. Common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Photo by farmgirl via Wikimedia Commons

Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) - Flickr - Lip Kee (1)

Figure 2. Common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Photo by Lip Kee via Wikimedia Commons

The common eland appears to use a peculiar combination of sight and sound – in the form of a conspicuous carpal bar and loud clicking from the carpal joint – to keep contact within the herd.

The khur and other Asian wild asses have a similar marking in the form of a conspicuous chestnut, which suggests that they too may be tuned in to a joint-click, but one falling below the limits of human hearing.

Robin and the Honey Badger, 22 March 2016

Equus hemionus khur 1

Figure 3. Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur). Photo by Lip Kee Yap via Wikimedia Commons

Wild ass india

Figure 4. Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur). Photo by Sballal via Wikimedia Commons