Giraffe’s
Where Giraffe’s
Live
Giraffes live in the savannas of
What a
Giraffe Eats
Giraffes are highly selective feeders, the bulk of
their diet comprising the leaves and shoots of trees and shrubs, supplemented
by climbers, vines and some herbs. Giraffe’s are herbivores which mean they
only eat plants.
Behavior
Giraffes
can rest standing, but they often lie down with their legs folded beneath them.
The neck is held vertical except during short periods of sleep, usually about
five minute’s duration, when the head is rested on the rump. When giraffes walk
they swing the two legs on the same side of the body at almost the same time.
When galloping, the hind legs are brought forward almost together and placed
outside the front. Maximum galloping speed is 31-37 mph.
Giraffes form
scattered herds. Being a gregarious animal, individual’s band together into
loose groups for protection against predators.
Characteristics
The
Giraffe is the tallest animal in the world. Males may be 16-18 feet tall and
weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Females are usually lighter and about two feet
shorter. The giraffe's front legs are only slightly longer than the back ones,
the height of the fore part of the body being largely due to the heavy muscular
development of the base of the neck.