4312-Giraffe 370 cm.H

Giraffe

Description The giraffe is the tallest mammal in the whole world because of its long legs and neck. Its legs can measure 6 feet and allow it to run at a speed of 35 miles per hour over short distances and about 10 miles per hour for longer distances. Giraffes have spotted coats and inhabit the savannas of Africa. They are considered social creatures and may live in groups called towers, consisting of 6 to 15 individuals. With its height, this herbivorous mammal can reach leaves and buds in treetops. Aside from its legs and neck, the tongue of a giraffe is also long and may measure 21 inches. It spends most of its time eating and sleep for just about 20 minutes a day. Furthermore, it only has to drink after several days and obtains most of the water it needs from the plants that it eats. Apart from reaching leaves and buds to eat, giraffes also use their long neck to watch out for predators across the wide expanse of the savanna. The females give birth while standing up and the newborn will be able to run with its mother in just 10 hours after birth.

Status The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed giraffes as Least Concern. However, the subspecies Nigerian Giraffe and Rothschild’s Giraffe are categorized as Endangered. Some of the major threats to their population include poaching and loss of habitat. Moreover, the primary source of food for giraffes—the acacia—is being cut.