GiraffeTaylor Halstenson

BiologyPeriod 64/28/11

Statistics• Size: Males weigh between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds and stand up to 19

feet tall. Female giraffes weigh between 1,600 and 2,600 pounds and grow to be 16 feet tall.

• Color: Body is a golden tan, and the spots

on the giraffe are a reddish brown.

• Lifespan: Healthy giraffes live about 25

years in the wild.

Habitat

• Giraffes live in the savannas of Africa, where they roam freely among the tall trees, arid land, dense forests and open plains.

• Source: kidsplanet.org

Threats to a Giraffe• Giraffes are hunted for their meat, coat and tails.

• The tail is prized for good luck bracelets, fly whisks and string for sewing beads.

• The coat is used for shield coverings.

• Habitat destruction and fragmentation are also threats to giraffe populations.

• http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/giraffe.html

Food Giraffes Eat

• Their long necks help giraffes eat leaves from tall trees, typically acacia trees.

• If they need to, giraffes can go for several days without water.

• Instead of drinking, giraffes stay hydrated by the moisture from leaves.

Conservation Status• Like many of Africas large mammals, giraffes have declined in

numbers and in range over the last century.

• The decline of giraffe populations has largely been due to hunting. In Africa, the giraffe is a traditional source of hide and hair and also of tough but nutritious meat.

• The giraffe is currently a protected species throughout most of its range and is classed as conservation-dependent by the World Conservation Union.

Reproductive Structure

• The Giraffe breeding season can occur at any time during the year. However, births in the wild usually happen during the dry season and births in captivity can happen all year round.

• When male giraffes are ready to breed, they begin the ritual combat over mates.

• Gestation period is usually 13 - 15 months and when a pregnant female giraffe is ready to give birth, she makes her way to a calving area that she will use throughout her life.

Environmental Issues

• Overgrazing, soil erosion, deforestation, desertification.• Wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus,

Giraffe, and Lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction.

Works Cited

• http://www.ypte.org.uk/animal/giraffe/76

• http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/giraffe.html

• http://www.honoluluzoo.org/giraffe.htm