Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Artiodactyla · Giraffidae
About
Giraffes are large African hoofed mammals. They are the tallest living terrestrial animals and the largest ruminants on Earth. They are classified under the family Giraffidae, along with their closest extant relative, the okapi. Traditionally, giraffes have been thought of as one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies. Most recently, researchers proposed dividing them into four extant species, with seven subspecies, which can be distinguished morphologically by their fur coat patterns. Six valid extinct species of Giraffa are known from the fossil record.
Fun Fact
Each giraffe has a unique spot pattern (like a human fingerprint), and their 25 cm (10 in) dark-purple tongues are prehensile and coated in antiseptic saliva to protect against thorns when stripping acacia leaves.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Savannas and open woodlands
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
25-30 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Illegal Logging
- Poaching