The Wonderful The Wonderful World of GiraffesWorld of Giraffes

Luis PolioLuis Polio

Per. 04Per. 04

Ms. ChaMs. Cha

Basic InformationBasic Information

The Giraffes a very unique animal the The Giraffes a very unique animal the tallest of all land-living animal species, and tallest of all land-living animal species, and the largest ruminant. Males can be 4.8 to the largest ruminant. Males can be 4.8 to 5.5 meters (16 to 18 feet) tall and weigh 5.5 meters (16 to 18 feet) tall and weigh up to 1,700 kilograms (3,800 pounds). up to 1,700 kilograms (3,800 pounds).

The record-sized bull, shot in Kenya in The record-sized bull, shot in Kenya in 1934, was 5.87 m (19.2 ft) tall and 1934, was 5.87 m (19.2 ft) tall and weighed approximately 2,000 kg weighed approximately 2,000 kg (4,400 lb).Females are generally slightly (4,400 lb).Females are generally slightly shorter, and weigh less than the males do. shorter, and weigh less than the males do.

AdaptationsAdaptations

The giraffe is related to deer and The giraffe is related to deer and cattle, but is placed in a separate cattle, but is placed in a separate family, the Giraffidae, consisting only family, the Giraffidae, consisting only of the giraffe and its closest relative, of the giraffe and its closest relative, the okapi. Its range extends from the okapi. Its range extends from Chad to South America.Chad to South America.

AncestorAncestor

The species name The species name camelopardaliscamelopardalis (camelopard) is derived from its early (camelopard) is derived from its early Roman name, where it was described Roman name, where it was described as having characteristics of both a as having characteristics of both a camel and a leopard. camel and a leopard.

The English word The English word camelopardcamelopard first first appeared in the 14th century and appeared in the 14th century and survived in common usage well into survived in common usage well into the 19th century. The African the 19th century. The African Language retained it. Language retained it.

HabitatHabitat

Giraffes can inhabit savannas, Giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands, or open woodlands. They grasslands, or open woodlands. They prefer areas enriched with acacia prefer areas enriched with acacia growth. growth.

They drink large quantities of water They drink large quantities of water and, as a result, they can spend long and, as a result, they can spend long periods of time in dry, arid areas. periods of time in dry, arid areas.

When searching for more food they will When searching for more food they will venture into areas with denser foliage.venture into areas with denser foliage.

Food ChainFood Chain The giraffe browses on the twigs of trees, The giraffe browses on the twigs of trees,

preferring trees of the genus preferring trees of the genus MimosaMimosa; but it ; but it appears that it can live without inconvenience on appears that it can live without inconvenience on other vegetable food. other vegetable food.

A giraffe can eat 63 kg (140 lb) of leaves and A giraffe can eat 63 kg (140 lb) of leaves and twigs daily. As ruminants, they first chew their twigs daily. As ruminants, they first chew their food, swallow for processing and then visibly food, swallow for processing and then visibly regurgitate the semi-digested cud up their necks regurgitate the semi-digested cud up their necks and back into the mouth, in order to chew again. and back into the mouth, in order to chew again. This process is usually repeated several times for This process is usually repeated several times for each mouthful.each mouthful.

The giraffe doesn’t have any natural enemy’s The giraffe doesn’t have any natural enemy’s because it’s a very peaceful animal.because it’s a very peaceful animal.

Human ImpactHuman Impact Giraffes are one of the most iconic species on Giraffes are one of the most iconic species on

earth, revered by many across their natural earth, revered by many across their natural range as a symbol of fertility, rain, strength and range as a symbol of fertility, rain, strength and prosperity. Giraffe now have a greatly restricted prosperity. Giraffe now have a greatly restricted range and occupy large tracts of land where range and occupy large tracts of land where there is an expanding human population. there is an expanding human population.

Although giraffe do not kill humans or livestock, Although giraffe do not kill humans or livestock, there is increasing human-wildlife conflict there is increasing human-wildlife conflict linked to competition for food and water linked to competition for food and water resources.  resources. 

They are also easy sources of food, or even They are also easy sources of food, or even target practice in areas of civil upheaval. target practice in areas of civil upheaval.