Lord Derby’s elands are native to central Africa, specifically found in countries like Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. They inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, grasslands, and woodlands, often preferring areas near water sources. Lord Derby’s elands are among the largest antelopes, with males standing around 5-6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing between 1,000 to 1,800 pounds. They have a distinctive, long, and spiral-shaped set of horns that can reach lengths of 3 to 4 feet. Their coat is light brown with vertical white stripes on their sides. Their large size helps them intimidate predators and their long legs allow them to run quickly. The horns can be used for defense against predators and to establish dominance during competitions.

Elands are herbivores with a diet primarily consisting of grasses, leaves, and fruits. They use their long tongues to grasp and pull in food.

Female giant elands give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 9 months. Calves are born with a reddish coat that darkens over time. They are usually seen in small groups consisting of females and young males. Older males are often solitary. They are known for their ability to jump high fences, using their powerful legs.

Lord Derby’s elands are classified as "Vulnerable" due to hunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and addressing threats to their populations.