Interesting Facts about Giraffes- Giraffes are one of the most recognizable and iconic animals in the world, with distinctive long necks and distinctive spotted bodies. Giraffes are the tallest land animals on Earth, with adult males growing up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall. Female giraffes can grow up to 14 feet (4.3 meters). Their long necks are actually made up of seven vertebrae. Giraffes are herbivores. They feed mainly on leaves, flowers, and fruits from tree tops. Now let’s know some special things about these animals.
Facts about Giraffes
Giraffes are the tallest living land animals, growing up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in height. They are found in the savannahs and open forests of Africa. Giraffes are herbivores and their diet mainly consists of leaves, flowers, and fruits. They have long necks up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and, like most mammals, have only seven vertebrae. The pattern of a giraffe’s coat is as unique to each animal as a human fingerprint.
Giraffes have large eyes and excellent eyesight. They have excellent eyesight that enables them to spot predators from long distances. Their long necks also help them reach food high in trees that other animals cannot reach. Giraffes have prehensile tongues up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) long that help them grab and pull leaves from trees.
Speed
They are able to run at speeds of up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour. Giraffes are social animals and often live in groups called towers or herds. Female giraffes give birth standing up and the newborn calf drops to the ground, which helps break the umbilical cord. Baby giraffes are about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall at birth and can walk within an hour of birth. Giraffes have neck vertebrae similar to humans.
Giraffes have a distinctive vocalization that is often described as a low humming or mooing sound. The horns on a giraffe’s head are called ossicones and consist of bone covered with skin and fur. Their skin is thick and firm and covered with spots or patches that are irregularly shaped and colored. Giraffes have excellent hearing and can detect low-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans.
Water
They are not territorial animals and often share their habitat with other giraffes and animals. Giraffes can go days without water because they get most of their water from the vegetation they eat. They are capable of sleeping standing up and only sleep for 5-30 minutes a day. Giraffes have a long and powerful tails, which they use as a weapon against predators. A giraffe’s heart can weigh up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms). Giraffes can clean their ears with their tongues. They have a complex communication system consisting of various sounds, postures, and gestures.
The scientific name of the giraffe is Giraffa camelopardalis. They have long, slender legs that are surprisingly strong and can kill even a lion with a single kick. Giraffes have a lifespan of 25 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity. They have special structures to cover their nostrils to prevent dust and insects from entering the nostrils. Interesting Facts about Giraffes.