Giraffe Appearance
The Giraffe’s Distinctive Features
Giraffes are the tallest land animals on Earth. Adult males reach 4.3–5.7 m (14.1–18.7 ft), while adult females stand slightly shorter. The tallest recorded male measured 5.88 m (19.3 ft), and the tallest recorded female reached 5.17 m (17.0 ft).
Males weigh around 1,192 kg (2,628 lb) on average, and females about 828 kg (1,825 lb). Exceptional individuals may reach 1,930 kg (4,250 lb). Their necks measure 2–2.4 m (6.6–7.9 ft), which helps them feed high above the ground. They also have a black tongue that can reach 45 cm (18 in) and wraps easily around leaves.
Their coat is light tan or off-white with brown or russet patches. Each giraffe carries a unique patch pattern, and each subspecies shows slight variations. Both males and females have ossicones, which are skin-covered horn structures formed from cartilage that shifts as the skull develops.
Habitat and Feeding
Where Giraffes Live and How They Feed
Giraffes live in savannahs and light woodlands across parts of Africa. They avoid dense forests, because reduced visibility makes it difficult to detect predators such as lions. Many giraffes live in East Africa, while others are found in Angola and Zambia. Average temperatures in these regions are close to 21°C (70°F).
Giraffes feed mainly on leaves from tall trees and supplement this with fruit when available. Their rough tongues allow them to eat acacia leaves despite the thorns. They can go for weeks without drinking water, as much of their moisture comes from vegetation.
There are about nine subspecies of giraffe, each with small differences in coat pattern. When two subspecies breed, the young are hybrids. Only the Rothschild’s giraffe is currently considered endangered.
Behaviour
Giraffe Behaviour
Giraffes live alone or in loose groups. Females give birth standing up, so the calf drops about 2 m (6.6 ft) to the ground. Newborn calves already measure around 2 m (6.6 ft) in height and weigh 50–55 kg (110–121 lb). They stay with their mother for about one and a half years. Young giraffes mature at four years old and reach full size at six years old.
Giraffes live up to 25 years in the wild and can reach 35 years in captivity. They defend themselves with strong kicks, which can deter predators. Mature males also fight for dominance by swinging their heads and necks in controlled blows, a behaviour known as sparring. Females prefer males that win these contests, which supports the long-necked males in future breeding.
