Giraffes

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the tallest land mammal in the world. Males may reach a height of 18 feet (5.5 m) with weight of as much as 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg). It is in the same order (Artiodactyla, even-toed ungulates) as the camel but is more closely related to deer, cattle, sheep and goats. The only other living member of the same family is the okapi. Unlike camels, deer, goats, etc., the giraffe has never been domesticated. Its natural habitat is in sub Saharan Africa wherever trees grow. It is especially common in West Africa but is commonly seen in the southern Kalahari range. All the major game preserves in Africa have Giraffes, but they are also frequently seen outside of the preserves.

Giraffe Skull

The two horns on the top of the head, called ossicones, are unique in that they are not outgrows but bony protuberances and part of the skull itself. Unlike most horned animals their horns do not fall off and regrow each year. They also are not part of the mating ritual.

Male Giraffes do not fight over the females during the mating season. The adult males live in a loosely organized herd, and the pecking order is established and maintained all year around. During the mating season the alpha male exercise his right to any and all females.

The alpha male is not a herd leader who determines where the herd will roam. Giraffes do not select such a leader but wander as the food supply dictates much in the same way that sheep do.

Giraffes in Zoo

Male Giraffes are on average two feet taller then the females. The male Giraffe eats leaves from the top of the tree, and the female eat from the lower branches. The females spend about 12 hours each day grazing while the males spend about 10 hours. A giraffe can each 140 lb (63 kg) of leaves and twigs daily. Giraffes lie on the ground at night to sleep.

They are very wary of any lions in the area, and with good cause as the lion is responsible for only one half of the calves born reaching adulthood. Giraffes defend themselves with powerful kicks. A single kick can shatter the skull of an attacking lion.

An adult Giraffe can run up 35 miles per hour. When they walk they alternate step with first the left front and back legs and then the right side. When they run they extend both front legs together and then both hind legs. This is the same pattern as used by camels.

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Contents copyright 2006 by Dr. A. V. Persson and ParaComp, Inc. All rights reserved.

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