Status
 
Giraffe
Classification
Kingdom:

Phylum:

Class:

Order:

Family:

Genus:

Species:
Animalia

Chordata

Mammalia

Artiodactyla

Giraffidae

Giraffa

camelopardis
IUCN Status: Lower Risk
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Giraffe is
.
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Information

    Located

    The Giraffe is located in parts of Africa where food is adequate, south of the
    Saharan Desert.  

    Diet

    Giraffes prefer leaves from acacia trees.  Acacia trees have thorns that keep
    most animals away; however, the giraffe's long tongue can maneuver around
    the thorns to reach the leaves.  They will also eat leaves of other trees if
    necessary.


    Habitat

    The habitat of the Giraffe is the open plains of the African Savanna where
    trees are present.  

    Size

    Approximate weight of a Giraffe:
    Weight is approximately 2,000 - 3,000 lbs for males; females weigh less than
    males.
    Approximate height of a Giraffe:
    Height is about 16 - 18 feet for males and about 14 - 16 feet for females.

    Reproduction

    The gestation or pregnancy period for a 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.
Notes
  • Not many animals will attack adult giraffes, but young giraffes will be attacked by lions, leopards, hyenas and other
    predators.     
  • The giraffe was long believed to be a combination of a camel and a leopard.  The species name "camelopardalis" is
    derived from this mistake.
  • The giraffe uses its long neck to reach for leaves high in trees.  They only have seven vertebrae in their necks, the
    same as humans.
(Giraffa camelopardalis)
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