There
are nine recognized subspecies of giraffe: Nigerian, Kordofan, Nubian,
reticulated, Rothschild ), Masai, Thornicroft), Angolan and South African or
Cape)
Description and Characteristics: The Giraffe
is the tallest of all mammals, on average they are 6ft tall at birth. They are
well known for their long necks, long legs, and spotted patterns; each giraffe
has it's own unique pattern. Giraffes have small "horns" or knobs on top of
their heads that grow to be about five inches long. These knobs are used to
protect the head in fights.
Feeding/drinking
Habits: Their long necks help giraffes eat leaves from tall
trees, typically acacia trees. The tongue of a giraffe can be as long as 45 cm.
If they need to, giraffes can go for several days without water.
Instead of drinking, giraffes rely on remaining hydrated from the moisture
content in the leaves they feed on.
Habitat: Giraffes live in the savannahs of
Africa, where they roam freely among the tall acacia trees, arid land, dense
forests and open plains. Large populations of giraffe are found in Kenya,
Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia.
Size &
Lifespan Males weigh between 2,400 and 4,000 pounds and are up to
18 feet tall. Female giraffes are smaller and lighter than males, and weight
between 1,600 and 2,600 pounds and grow to be about 16 feet tall. A giraffe
calf can be up to 6 ft tall at birth
Giraffes live for about 25 years in
the wild
Reproduction: The
gestation period for giraffes is between 14-15 months. Generally there 16-month
period between calving since this is such a long gestation period. Breeding can
occur at any time of the year, with the conception peak generally happening the
rainy season
Predators and
Threats: There is not direct threat to adult Giraffes from
predators as they are too large. However, their calves are vulnerable and
cannot defend themselves from usually lion and the spotted hyena.
Giraffes are hunted for their meat, coat and tails. The tail is prized
for good luck bracelets, fly whisks and string for sewing beads. The coat is
used for shield coverings. Habitat destruction and fragmentation are threats to
giraffe populations. Photos of
Giraffe (Click on thumbnail images for large photo)
Books about Giraffes
Giraffes? Giraffes! - Dr & Mr.
Doris Haggis-On-Whey 64 lavishly-illustrated pages, and includes a set of
giraffe trading cards carefully attached to the inside back cover. Cover is
blue faux-leather, de-bossed with gold foil detail and a special 4-color
illustration. Buy From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - UK
Giraffes- (True Books: Animals
(Paperback) Describes the physical characteristics and habits of these
long-necked African animals. Buy From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - UK
Giraffes (In the Wild) - Patricia
Kendell looks at the lives of giraffes - from their birth to growing up,
how they feed, grow, rest, and clean. Glorious, large colour photographs show
the giraffe at every stage of its life. Simple, engaging text allows young
readers to understand a giraffe's life. There is also information about the
threats that giraffes face in the wild and how we can help them to survive in
the future. Buy From (amazon.co.uk) - UK
