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Giraffe
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: Reaching heights of about 18 feet, giraffes are the world’s tallest mammals. Males can weigh up to 4000lbs while females weigh up to 2500 lbs.
Their long legs and elongated necks allow them to feed on leaves in high places and spot predators from a considerable distance. The spots on giraffe are similar to human fingerprints in that no two giraffe share the same spot pattern.
Diet: Giraffes browse for vegetation such as thorny Acacia. A prehensile tongue enables them to strip leaves from the trees. Since their preferred vegetation is above the reach of other grassland animals, they do not compete for food. Giraffes are most vulnerable when drinking water. They must stretch their legs out awkwardly to bring themselves closer to the ground. They will often drink in shifts to ensure there is always a lookout for potential danger.
Reproduction: Cows give birth to one calf that stands about 6 feet tall. The mother gives birth to her calf standing up, dropping the newborn 6 feet to the ground. During the first 4-5 months of a calf’s life, they congregate with other juveniles in nursery groups called cretches.
Environmental Connections: Giraffes inhabit grasslands across Africa. African grasslands are called “steppes” or “savannas”. Grasslands are characterized by a dry climate with periods of drought.
Giraffes need space - a commodity that is fast becoming scarce due to human population growth and widespread changes in land use. To insure their continued survival, giraffes need suitable, stable and large areas of habitat for their feeding ranges.
Human population in Africa has quadrupled since the turn of the century - the fastest growth rate on the planet. Many giraffe populations are threatened because they compete with humans for land and resources.
Humans have converted open savanna and wooded grassland habitat to cropland and pastureland for livestock. Wood is used for housing and fuel.
Protecting giraffes means preserving the habitats in which they live. No ecosystem stands alone so it is important that we work to protect ecosystems on a global level.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
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