FACTS ON GIRAFFES

Facts About Giraffes

Giraffes live in semi-arid landscapes throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and so far are not considered to be Endangered or Threatened by the international conservation community. However, they have been affected by loss of habitat due to human activity, and this cannot help but have an effect on their population.

Giraffes, as the tallest land animal on the planet are a physically remarkable creature. They can reach heights of 18 feet (5.5 meters) and weights of 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilos.) They also have a fascinating social structure.

Of course, giraffes owe much of their height to having the longest neck and longest legs of any animal. Scientists used to think the long neck evolved to help them reach leaves that other browsing animals could not get to, but it is now thought that the true purpose of the neck may be for male giraffes to use in fighting one another.

Giraffes live and feed in small groups that do not remain stable for very long. The chief social bonds among giraffes are between mothers and their offspring. Female giraffes generally bear and raise one calf at a time.