ARRANGED BY : ALMIRA APRIANI ASTRAYESA 9U1

NAFRA CANTIKA HASIBUAN

GIRAFFE

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed ungulate mammal,

the tallestliving terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Its specific name refers to
its camel-like face and patches of color on a light background, which bear a vague
resemblance to a leopard's spots. The giraffe is also noted for its extremely long neck and
legs and prominent horns. It stands 5–6 m (16–20 ft) tall and has an average weight of
1,200 kg (2,600 lb) for males and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for females. It is classified under
the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, theokapi. There are nine
subspecies, which differ in size, coloration, pattern, and range.

The giraffe has big brown eyes which are protected by very thick lashes. The lashes are
important source of protection. They can also cover the giraffe nostrils in order to protect its
nose. It has brown spots on the skin and this color helps to protect the giraffe. The giraffe also
has two short horns on its head.

Like the camel, the giraffe can go for a long time without drinking water. One source of
water is the leaves which the giraffe eats from trees. Since it is so tall, the giraffe can reach
the tender leaves at the top of a tree.

The giraffe lives in a small herd and often feeds with other animals. A baby giraffe is two
meters tall at birth. It can stand up by itself within a few minutes after birth and can run well
in about two days.

The giraffe has two methods of self protection. If something frightens an adult giraffe, it can
gallop away at about fifty kilometers per hour or just stay to fight with its strong legs.

The giraffe's scattered range extends from Chad in the north to South Africa in the south
and from Niger in the west to Somalia in the east. Giraffes usually
inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They prefer areas with plenty
of acacia trees, which are important food sources, and can browse at heights that most other
herbivores cannot reach. While adults are nearly invulnerable to predation, lions,
leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs prey on calves. Giraffes commonly gather in
aggregations that usually disband every few hours. Males establish social hierarchies through
"neckings", which are combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon. Dominant males
gain mating access to females, who bear the sole responsibility for raising the young.

The giraffe has intrigued various cultures, both ancient and modern, for its peculiar
appearance, and has often been featured in paintings, novels and cartoons. It is classified by
the IUCN as Least Concern, but has been extirpated from many parts of its former range,
and some subspecies are classified as Endangered. Nevertheless, giraffes are found in
numerous game reserves.