The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is an African even-toed
ungulate mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest
ruminant. Its specific name refers to its camel-like face and and the patches
of color on its fur, which bear a vague resemblance to a leopard's spots. The
giraffe is noted for its extremely long neck and legs, as well as its horn-like
ossicones. It stands 5–6 m (16–20 ft) tall and has an average weight of 1,600
kg (3,500 lb) for males and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for females. It is classified
under the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the okapi.
There are nine subspecies, which are distinguished by their 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 can browse at heights that
most other herbivores cannot reach. Giraffes are preyed on by lions, and calves
are also targeted by leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs. Adult giraffes do
not have strong social bonds, though they do gather in loose aggregations if
they happen to be moving in the same general direction. 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, who bear the
sole responsibility for raising the young.
The giraffe has intrigued various cultures, both ancient and
modern, for its peculiar appearance, and has often been featured in paintings,
books and cartoons. It is classified by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Least Concern, but has been extirpated from
many parts of its former range, and some subspecies are classified as
Endangered. Nevertheless, giraffes are still found in numerous game reserves.
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