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Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis

Location, Habitat and Diet
Giraffes live in small groups in parts of Africa where food is adequate,
south of the Saharan Desert. The habitat of giraffes is the open plains of
the African savanna where trees are present. Giraffes prefer leaves from
acacia trees. Acacia trees have thorns that keep most animals away;
however, giraffes' long tongues can maneuver around the thorns to reach
the leaves. They will also eat leaves of other trees if necessary.
Size and Description
Giraffes are easy to identify with their long necks, skinny legs and
distinctive spotted markings. They are the tallest mammals on earth. The
approximate weight of giraffes is approximately 2,000 - 3,000 lbs for
males; females weigh less than males. The approximate height is about
16 - 18 feet for males and about 14 - 16 feet for females.
Reproduction
Female giraffes become sexually mature around 3 or 4 years old. The
gestation or pregnancy period for a female giraffe is about 14 - 15 months.
A female giraffe will give birth to a calf that stands about 6 feet tall and
weighs approximately 150 lbs.
Special Adaptations
Giraffes use their long necks to reach for leaves high in trees. They only
have seven vertebrae in their necks, the same as humans. Their front legs
are longer than their back legs, which also helps them to reach the
treetops. Their uniquely-patterned coats camouflage them from predators.
Their lips are tough to protect them against scratches from the acacia
thorns. Like camels, giraffes can go for long periods of time without
drinking water. This helps keep them safer because they must assume an
awkward position in order to drink, which leaves them more vulnerable to
predators.
Special Facts
Not many animals will attack adult giraffes, but young giraffes may be
attacked by lions, leopards, hyenas and other predators.
Giraffes were at one time believed to be a combination of a camel and a
leopard. The species name "camelopardalis" is derived from this mistake.


The Animal Spot
Classification

Kingdom:
Phylum:
Order:
Class:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Artiodactyla
Giraffidae
Giraffa
camelopardalis

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