Giraffe

Giraffe is a species of mammal known for its exceptional height and long neck. It is the tallest land animal in the world and is native to Africa. The giraffe's height allows it to feed on leaves and shoots located high in the trees, food that other herbivores cannot reach.

Anatomy and Appearance

The giraffe's most notable feature is its extremely long neck, which can measure up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in length. Despite this length, the giraffe's neck contains only seven vertebrae, the same number as in most other mammals, but each one can be up to 25 cm (9.8 in) long. The giraffe's body is relatively short, but its legs are very long and powerful, with the front legs being slightly longer than the rear ones. The giraffe's skin is covered in a pattern of spots that is unique to each individual.

Behavior and Ecology

Giraffes are social animals and live in groups of up to 20 individuals. They are not territorial and their groups often overlap with others. Giraffes are also migratory and can travel long distances in search of food and water.

Conservation Status

The giraffe is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threats to the giraffe's survival are habitat loss due to agriculture and hunting for their meat and hide.

See Also

• Animal
• Mammal
• Africa
• Conservation

References

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  Giraffe Mikumi National Park

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  Giraffa camelopardalis Brockhaus

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  Giraffid comparison

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  Genetic subdivision in the giraffe based on mitochondrial DNA sequences

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  Zoo de Vincennes, Paris, France April 2014

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  Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis (Al Ain Zoo, UAE)

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  Rothschild's Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) male