Male 3m shoulder height and 5m overall height
| GIRAFFE |
|
||
|
|
|
Shoulder Height: |
Male 3m shoulder height and 5m overall height |
| Average Weight: | Male 1200 kg | ||
| Female 800 kg | |||
| Gestation: | 15 months | ||
| Number of Young: | 1 calf | ||
| Longevity: | 28 years | ||
| Habitat: | Savannah Bushveld | ||
|
|
GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) are being the tallest animal in the world, and relatively well known. They can be found in Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. They eat fruit, flowers, shoots, young thorns, twigs and will graze when the grass is fresh. With this height they utilize food resources that would not be utilized by any other animals, except in rare instances Elephant. They can be found in semi arid regions, open woodland but not in thick forest type vegetation. Even though it has the longest neck in the animal kingdom, they have the same number of neck vertebrae, seven, as all other mammals. They can move around in groups or by themselves but are very loosely attached to each other. In a large group you might only have one or two animals visible. They will be able to see each other over a wide distance. Bulls do establish a dominance structure amongst each other. Other animals may move around with giraffe using them as an early warning device for predators. They are usually silent animals. The bones on the skull have air filled gaps which are probably for absorbing the shock from fighting. The mouth and tongue are extremely tough. Giraffe are very gentle and inoffensive creatures, but have been known to kill Lions with a single kick of their powerful back legs. Giraffe have very good eyesight, often spotting danger long before it is near to them. They are also very inquisitive and will often approach vehicles to get a better look. Lions prey on the adults but the young are taken by Hyena, Leopard, Cheetah and Crocodile. They are at the most vulnerable when they are drinking. | ||