The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest of all land-living animal species, and the largest ruminant. The giraffe's scientific name, which is similar to its antiquated English name of camelopard, refers to its irregular patches of color on a light background, which bear a token resemblance to a leopard's spots. The giraffe is related to other even-toed ungulates, such as deer and cattle, but is placed in a separate family, the Giraffidae, consisting of only the giraffe and its closest relative, the okapi, and their extinct relatives. Its range extends from Chad in Central Africa to South Africa. Giraffes usually inhabit savannas, grasslands, or open woodlands. However, when food is scarce they will venture into areas with denser vegetation.
Ten Facts about Giraffe
- The average mass for an adult male giraffe is 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lb) while the average mass for an adult female is 830 kilograms (1,800 lb). It is approximately 4.3 metres (14 ft) to 5.2 metres (17 ft) tall, although the tallest male recorded stood almost 6 metres (20 ft).
- Luckily, giraffes have elastic blood vessels in their necks, this makes it possible for them to drink water from a stream, without fainting.
- An adult male giraffe is called a bull, a female is called a cow and a young giraffe a calf.
- The average life span of a giraffe is 20 to 25 years.
- A large male giraffe can eat up to 100 pounds of food in a single day.
- A giraffes age can be calculated from its spots, as the darker the spots, the older the giraffe.Lions and large packs of hyenas, are the giraffe's enemies. A lion can die if kicked by a giraffe.
- Giraffe gestation lasts between 400 and 460 days, after which a single calf is normally born, although twins occasionally occur.
- The mother gives birth standing up and the embryonic sack usually bursts when the baby falls to the ground. Newborn giraffes are about 1.8 m (6 ft) tall.
- Only 25 to 50% of giraffe calves reach adulthood.
- Mother giraffes will defend their young by placing themselves between the young and the predator and kicking the predator.
