Habitat

Savannah, grassland and open woodland

Natural behavior

Non-territorial living in home ranges which depend on food and water availability. Acute eyesight allows them to spot predators from a distance. If threatened Giraffe can give powerful blows using their legs to kick. Despite their large size Giraffe can reach speeds of over 40km/h

Description

Tallest land animal on earth, with a distinct long neck, lined with a short mane and a long, strong and dexterous tongue, around 45cm long. Unique blotchy patterned coat, which does not extend past the lower leg. Horns are present on the tops of their heads known as ossicones, which are covered in a black tuft of hair. Males also develop calcium deposits on their head, which assist them during fights.

Distribution

Uganda and Kenya

Diet

Strict herbivore; Giraffe are ruminants and have a four chambered stomach. Browsing on leaves, shoots, fruit and other vegetation - up to 40kgs a day

Reproduction

Mating occurs year-round although peaking during the rainy season. Female giraffe or ‘cows’ mate with local dominant males. Bulls compete by sparing, standing side by side, swaying and curling their necks to thump each other. Fights can be fierce and result in severe injury. Half of their calves don’t survive their first year.

Social structure

Social; forming loose herds or towers with no permanent members. Adult female association occurs mostly when their young calves play together. Males leave the herd at around 3 years and sometimes form bachelor herds that look for females in heat

Threats

Traditional hunting, poaching and habitat loss