MAMMALSMAMMALS

THE GIRAFFE

The Giraffe is the tallest living land animal.

Its height is up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) . You can easily spot any giraffe even from the long distance!Its weight ranges from 600 kg to 1 800 kg.

The Giraffe has got a typical brownish and yellowish colour

with reticulated pattern.

It has got a long tail measuring up to 90 cm.

This animal is a unique creature, its long neck has got the same number of the cervical vertebrae as humans have. Its neck is exceptionally flexible and moves from side to side when giraffes are running.

Arteries in its neck have got valves in order to bring enough blood up to the head. On its small head, there are few small horns. Its sight is extremely good as well as its hearing sense. The giraffes have got very long legs too. They can reach the speed of 50 km per hour (30 mph).

When drinking, giraffes have to spread their legs so the head can reach the water level.

This long-necked mammal lives in Africa, but mainly in the southern parts of the Sahara. Plains and woodlands are their natural habitat.

The Giraffes feed on leaves, fruit etc. Their long (50 cm) and flexible tongue can reach almost every leave.

Breeding usually occurs from July till September. Gestation period lasts approximately 15 months with one offspring born.

In case of emergence they can use their forefeet to defend themselves.

Generally the giraffes live up to 20 years long.