Giraffa camelopardais
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Interesting facts about Giraffes
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Standing up to 6 metres tall the Giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world. Males can weigh up to 1600 kg while females weigh a bit more than half of that. Females and juveniles have tufts of hair on their short 'horns'. Males have little or no hair on their 'horns'.
Although the giraffe is found across a large portion of Africa their distribution is not continuous which has caused a number of sub-species to emerge.
The nearest living relative of the Giraffe is the Okapi.
Giraffes are normally found in more open woodland or savanna habitats. Their height advantage allows them to browse from the tops of trees.
They can go for up to 3 days without drinking water.
At night they tend to lie down.
Although giraffes are often seen in loose herds the make-up of those herds tends to change all the time and the animals do not form strong bonds with eachother.
In most cases a female Giraffe gives birth to a single calf.
Giraffes are well-known for fighting each other by swinging their powerful necks. This activity appears to be a way of establishing dominance between males. The duels may be quite relaxed or really intense.
Adults can live up to 25 years. They are sometimes hunted by Lions but their sheer size and powerful kicks help protect them.
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