Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Giraffidae
• Genus: Giraffa
• Species: Giraffa camelopardalis

Geographic Range

Ethiopian: Tree-dotted grasslands south of the Sahara in Africa.

Physical Characteristics

Giraffes have buff background coloration broken by brown blotches; this helps them blend in with shadowy tree branches.

Their color grows darker brown as they age, and each giraffe has unique markings.

Giraffes are the tallest of all animals, reaching as much as 18 feet in height, with a shoulder height of up to 12 ft.
Both male and female giraffes have horns.

Giraffes have seven vertebrae in their neck, just like most other mammals.

Natural History

Food Habits
Giraffes' long, flexible tongues and muscular upper lips are used to rip leaves from the branches of acacia and mimosa trees. Giraffe don't migrate during the dry season but get their food and most of their moisture from leaves. Giraffes can go for over a month without drinking and do so often, perhaps because of the vulnerable position they must assume in order to drink. This also may be the reason giraffes do not graze on grass.

Reproduction
Giraffes reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years. Males fight for females during mating season by butting heads. The gestation period for giraffes is about 15 months. A single calf is born, rarely twins. Calves are usually 6 ft. tall and can stand up 20 minutes after birth. Their lifespan is 15-20 years.

Behavior
Females stay in their mothers' territories, males leave in all-male groups to search for females in heat. Males are distinguishable at a distance from females because of their different grazing habits. Males tend to stretch their necks to reach the tops of taller trees, while females tend to bend over smaller trees. Giraffes can usually be found together in groups of 12-15. There are no permanent members of the group. Herds are lead by an adult male (bull) and are composed of adult females (cows), calves, and sexually immature males. Females are usually the most alert to danger.

When startled, a giraffe can gallop at speeds up to 30 mph. The hind feet of a galloping giraffe reach in front of the fore feet, and the animals swing their necks from side to side, producing a slow-motion appearance.

Giraffes vocalize by emitting moans or low notes. To avoid predators (chiefly lions), giraffes sleep standing up. They protect themselves by kicking.

Habitat
Dry, hard land. Because of their infrequent use of water, they can range widely and are sometimes found hundreds of kilometers from water.

Biomes: tropical savanna & grasslands

Economic Importance for Humans

Positive
Giraffes serve as an attraction in many zoos and other wildlife parks. They have been hunted for their meat and hides.

Conservation

Status: no special status

Giraffes have a keen sense of smell and very good vision. Their well-developed senses have caused them to be considered one of the most vigilant of the big game species. Once hunted for their thick, leathery skins, giraffes are now protected by hunting laws.

Other Comments

Because giraffes' necks are so long, their vascular systems are specially equipped with valves to prevent blood from draining from their brains.

References

Dagg, Anne I., and Foster, J. Bristol. 1979. "The Giraffe: Its Biology, Behavior, and Ecology." Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc.

Encarta. 1994 ed. "Giraffe." Funk and Wagnall's Corporation.

Disclaimer: The animal information pages on the Lion Country Safari website are intended as educational
resources. They may not contain all the latest scientific information about every species, nor can we
guarantee their accuracy.

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