Name……….

Avash Sieudass

Class…………………Form 1O

Big Six Research Project

Topic………….Giraffes
Where Do Giraffes Live?

Giraffes are native to various countries in Africa, where they inhabit

savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are found in regions

with scattered trees and bushes, as their long necks allow them to feed on

leaves from tall trees. Giraffes are commonly found in countries such as

Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

and others across sub-Saharan Africa.

Giraffes are adapted to a range of habitats, but they typically prefer areas

with a mix of open spaces and vegetation. They are herbivores and

primarily feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits from trees and shrubs. The

specific species of giraffe can influence their distribution within Africa, as

there are different giraffe subspecies with slight variations in appearance

and habitat preferences.

What Do They Eat?

Giraffes are herbivores with a diet primarily consisting of leaves, flowers, and

fruits from a variety of trees and shrubs. Their long necks and tongues (which

can be up to 45 centimeters or 18 inches long) enable them to reach high

branches and foliage that many other herbivores cannot access.

The diet of giraffes can include leaves from acacia trees, mimosa trees, and

other types of vegetation found in their habitat. They are known to be selective

feeders, and they often browse on the leaves of trees rather than grazing on

grass. Giraffes also consume fruits when they are in season, and they may

occasionally eat grass, although it forms a smaller part of their diet.

Giraffes spend a significant amount of time feeding due to the relatively low

nutritional content of the leaves they consume. They have a specialized

digestive system to extract nutrients from the tough plant material, and they

need to drink water periodically to supplement their diet.

How Big Do They Get?

Giraffes are the world's tallest land animals. On average, male giraffes (bulls)

can stand anywhere from 15 to 18 feet (4.5 to 5.5 meters) tall, although they can

sometimes reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). Female giraffes (cows) are

generally slightly shorter than males.

In terms of weight, adult giraffes can weigh between 1,600 to 3,000 pounds (700

to 1,400 kilograms), with males being larger and heavier than females. The long

neck of a giraffe can be up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and is a distinctive feature

that allows them to reach high branches for feeding. Despite their large size,

giraffes are known for their graceful and elegant movements.

How Long Do They Get?

Giraffes are the world's tallest land animals, and their height can vary among
different species and individuals. On average, giraffes stand about 16 to 18 feet (4.8
to 5.5 meters) tall, although some individuals may reach up to 18 feet (5.5 meters)
or more. Male giraffes tend to be taller than females and can weigh between 2,400
and 3,000 pounds (1,100 to 1,400 kilograms), while females typically weigh
between 1,600 and 2,600 pounds (700 to 1,200 kilograms). Their long necks and
legs help them reach high branches in trees, allowing them to feed on leaves that are
out of reach for many other herbivores.
What Animals Are A Danger To Giraffes

While giraffes are large and powerful animals, they do face threats from
various predators. The main natural predators of giraffes include:

Lions: Lions are known to be one of the primary predators of giraffes,

especially targeting calves and weaker individuals. They often hunt in
groups and coordinate their efforts to bring down a giraffe.

Hyenas: Hyenas, both spotted and striped, may also pose a threat to
giraffes, particularly when they are in groups. Hyenas are opportunistic
scavengers and predators, and they can target giraffes of various ages.

Crocodiles: In areas where giraffes need to cross rivers or water bodies, they
may be vulnerable to attacks by crocodiles. Crocodiles can ambush
giraffes when they are drinking or crossing waterways.

Wild Dogs: African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs, can be a threat
to giraffe calves. Wild dogs are skilled hunters and can work together to
bring down larger prey.