GIRAFFE

Giraffa camelopardalis

SHOULDER HEIGHT : 5-6m

MASS : Up to 1270 kg

GESTATION : 15 months; single calf, occasionally twins; breeds year round.

Both sexes have horns. The cows horns turn inwards and are well tufted. It is a gregarious animal with a keen sense of smell and good hearing and sight. It is capable of moving at speeds of up to 50 km/hr. It feeds during the day and at night. The giraffe is preyed upon by lion despite the fact that it is capable of delivering a fearful kick which could kill a lion. In spite of being extremely long, there are only seven vertebrae in a giraffes neck – as found in other mammals. It is a silent animal, occasionally uttering grunts and moans.

Diet – A browser, known to graze seasonally in some areas. Not dependent on water; stays for long periods in waterless areas.

Spoor – Unmistakable, square-toed print. The giraffe is prone to breaking its limbs, caused by slipping on wet surfaces.