Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa South Africa Wildlife Animals In The Wild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
young giraffe is reflected in water, standing on the shore of Lake One Animal Cut Out Reticulated Giraffe Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
The giraffe is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Its chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and legs, its horn-like ossicones, and its distinctive coat patterns. The giraffe's scattered range extends from Chad in the north to South Africa in the south, and from Niger in the west to Somalia in the east. Giraffes usually inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. Their primary food source is acacia leaves, which they browse at heights most other herbivores cannot reach. Giraffes are preyed on by lions; their calves are also targeted by leopards, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs. Males establish social hierarchies through "necking", which are combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon. Dominant males gain mating access to females, which bear the sole responsibility for raising the young. The Giraffe’s first experience of life is a two metre drop to the ground, because female giraffes give birth standing up. For the first few weeks, the calf remains hidden in the shade and the mother returns to it from her foraging trips. Later on, the calf is taken to join a creche. Baby Giraffes can stand within half an hour and after only 10 hours can actually run alongside their family. Calves grow fast and are weaned at 18 months, although they start eating solids well before then. Giraffes only spend between 10 minutes and two hours asleep per day. They have one of the shortest sleep requirements of any mammal. Giraffe numbers have plummeted by 40 per cent in the past 15 years and some species could become extinct in a “forgotten” natural tragedy, the world’s leading experts have warned. Fifteen years ago there were 140,000 giraffes in Africa but now there are fewer than 80,000, compared with about 450,000 African elephants, according to new research. Plain Savannah Long Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa South Africa Giraffe Savannah Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Giraffe hiding in the trees. Copy space above and below the giraffe Africa Horizontal Outdoors Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Portrait of a giraffe isolated on white background White Background Giraffe Animal Themes Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Young Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Masai Mara, Kenya, East Africa Masai Giraffe Mammal Hoofed Mammal Young Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
In the first half of July 2009 I was for a Trip to South Africa. These Pictures gives an Impression of that beautiful Country. This Picture is taken during a Game Drive in The Kruger National Park. More South Africa Nature & Landscapes >>> South Africa Kruger National Park Hoofed Mammal Male Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Close up of Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) head Animal Head Giraffe Close-up Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Giraffe hiding in the trees. Copy space above and below the giraffe Africa Horizontal Outdoors Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
