A Giraffe`s Habitat

At an average height of around 5 m (16-18 ft.), the

giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world.

Characterized by its long legs, long neck, and

distinctive spotted pattern, many people first
believed the giraffe was a cross between a leopard
and a camel, which is reflected in its scientific name,
Giraffa camelopardalis.

Giraffes live primarily in savanna areas in the sub-

Saharan region of Africa. Their extreme height
allows them to eat leaves and shoots located much
higher than other animals can reach. In particular,
they seek out acacia trees. Their long tongues are
helpful in eating because they help pull leaves from
the trees. Spending most of the day eating, a full-
grown giraffe consumes over 45 kg (100 lb.) of
leaves and twigs a day.

The male giraffe is both taller and heavier than the

female. Both sexes have skin-covered knobs, called
ossicones, on the top of their heads. Female
ossicones are smaller and have a small tuft of fur on
top, while male ossicones are bald on the top.
These knobs are used to protect the head when
males fight, which involves swinging their necks at
each other in a show of strength called “necking.”

When giraffes walk, they move both legs on one

side of their body and then both legs on the other
side; this is unique to giraffes. However, they run in
a similar style to other mammals, swinging their
rear legs and front legs in unison. They can reach 55
km/h (35 mph) at full speed but only in brief spurts.
Giraffes sleep less than two hours a day. In general,
they sleep with their feet tucked under them and
their head resting on their hindquarters, but they
can also sleep for short periods of time standing up.

Female giraffes can become pregnant at 5 years old.

They carry a baby for 15 months and give birth
while standing up. Newborns are about 2 m (6 ft.)
tall and weigh 70 kg (150 lb.).

They live up to 25 years in the wild.

Giraffe Conservation Status

Giraffes are listed by IUCN’s Red List as a species of
least concern. Due to a decreasing population
trend, however, the IUCN intends to monitor their
population status to determine if the animals shall
be placed in a higher threat category in the near
future.

They face several threats, including loss of habitat

due to logging for firewood. They are also hunted
for their meat, hides, and tails, which are valued by
many African tribes.

What You Can Do to Help

To help preserve giraffe populations, boycott
products made with giraffe body parts and
encourage others to do the same.
By: Jonash Garcia