Giraffidae
Artiodactyla
Mammalia
About 450 days.
1
EEP
Leaves, branches and flowers mainly from different species of acacia.
10-15 years old in the wild and 20-27 years old in captivity.
This African ruminant is the tallest known animal, reaching 6 meters in height. The long neck of giraffes and the front legs that are longer than the hind legs allow them to reach the highest leaves of the trees, avoiding food competition with other herbivores. The fact of having such a long neck is also beneficial to have an overview of the savannah, thus avoiding possible dangers.
Giraffes' fur is yellow with large irregular spots of light or dark brown. The spots on the neck and legs are smaller. This coloration helps them camouflage themselves in the savanna, simulating their environment and avoiding possible predators. They do not sleep more than 5 minutes at a time and are vulnerable to lions and hyenas when they lower their necks to drink water.
This species is in serious danger of extinction due to the desertification of its habitat and poaching. It is estimated that there are about 500 specimens left in the wild.
Giraffes sometimes provide a warning reference for other animals. By having an overview of the territory, they can run in groups in advance of any danger. This causes many animals to run at the same time as the giraffes before detecting predators.
The heart of a giraffe, which can weigh more than 10 kg, must generate about twice the normal blood pressure of a large mammal to maintain blood flow to the brain against gravity. Therefore, in the upper part of the neck, they have a complex pressure regulation system that prevents excess blood in the brain when the giraffe lowers its head to drink.