 |
Giraffe - Giraffa camelopardalis | ||
Bull |
Cow |
||
| Mass (adult) | ± 970 - 1395 kg |
± 700 - 950 kg |
|
| Shoulder height | ± 300 cm |
± 300 cm |
|
| Life expectancy | ± 28 years |
± 28 years |
|
| Identification | |
 |
The Giraffe has an unmistakable long neck and legs. It has light brown patches on a yellow to white bakground. It has two short horns on the head. The male is usually heavier that the female. |
| Habitat | |
| It occurs in a variety of plant habitats. It is found in dry types of woodland, from low shrubveld to fairly dense woodland. An important requirement is the presence of the different plants on which it feeds throughout the year, especially the different kinds of thorn trees. It avoids dense bush and is independent of water. | |
| Habits | |
| The Giraffe is mainly diurnal. It rests standing or lying down during the heat of the day with its head held upright. It sleeps with the head bending backwards against the body. It is gregarious with loose associations - individuals wander between herds. Herds consist of females and their young, but there are also herds consisting of males, females and young. Although most adult males go single, younger males form male herds that have a hierarchy. Males fight using their heads to hit one another. | |
| Food | |
| It feeds mainly on leaves, especially of thorn trees in the wet season and of evergreen trees in the dry season. It drinks water regularly when available. | |
| Vocalisation | |
| Snorts or grunts when alarmed, bellows when hungry. | |
| Breeding | |
| A single calf is born anytime during the year after a gestation period of ± 15 months. The female has 2 pairs of groin mammae. | |