Giraffe’s

Where Giraffe’s Live

  

Giraffes live in the savannas of Africa where there are Acacia and climbing leguminous plants. They are found in south of the Sahara to Cape Town. The reticulated giraffe is found in East Africa., where they roam freely among the tall trees, arid land, dense forests and open plains.

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.