Giraffes are majestic creatures that have captured the hearts of many people around the world. They are known for their long necks, which allow them to reach high branches and leaves that other animals can’t reach. In Africa, giraffes are a common sight, and they play an essential role in the ecosystem. However, many people are unaware that there are four distinct species of giraffes in Africa. Let’s dive deeper into this fascinating topic and learn more about these amazing animals.
The Different Types of Giraffes in Africa
Northern giraffe.
The Northern giraffe has three subspecies: the Nubian giraffe, the Kordofan giraffe, and the West African giraffe found in Western, Central, and Eastern Africa. The Nubian giraffe is the first Northern Giraffe subspecies ever recorded and has large, rectangular, chestnut-brown patches surrounded by an off-white color, without spots on their legs. The Kordofan giraffe has a yellowish-brown to blackish-brown coat with wide and irregular pale markings extending down its legs, while the West African giraffe can now only be found in Niger, with light tan-colored spots and pale cream-colored legs.
The Nubian Giraffe
The Kordofan Giraffe
The West African Giraffe
The Southern Giraffe.
The Southern giraffe features two subspecies: the South African giraffe, found in South Africa, southern Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and the Angolan giraffe, found in central Botswana, most parts of Namibia, and some areas of Zimbabwe. The South African giraffe has a star or diamond-shaped markings in various shades of brown surrounded by a light tan color, while the Angolan giraffe is relatively light in color with large, uneven, and irregular light brown patches surrounded by a pale cream color.
The South African Giraffe
Angolan Giraffe
Masai Giraffe.
The Masai giraffe is the most common type of giraffe found in Africa. They are found in Kenya and Tanzania and are known for their irregular and jagged spots. They are also the tallest type of giraffe, with males reaching up to 18 feet in height.
Masai Giraffe
Reticulated Giraffe.
The Reticulated giraffe is found in northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. They have a unique pattern of spots that are arranged in a net-like structure. They are also slightly shorter than the Masai giraffe, with males reaching up to 16 feet in height.
Reticulated Giraffe
FAQs.
1. Are giraffes endangered?
Yes, giraffes are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest are some of the major threats facing African giraffes.
2. How long do giraffes live?
Giraffes have a lifespan of up to 25 years in the wild and up to 28 years in captivity. However, many giraffes do not live to their full potential due to threats like poaching and habitat loss.
3. How do giraffes sleep?
Giraffes sleep standing up, with their necks resting on their hindquarters. They only need to sleep for a few minutes at a time, and they can sleep for a total of only 20 minutes a day.
4. How tall are baby giraffes at birth?
Baby giraffes, also known as calves, are around six feet tall at birth and weigh approximately 150 pounds. They are able to stand and walk within an hour of being born.
5. How many spots do giraffes have?
The number of spots on a giraffe can vary from individual to individual, but they can have up to 450 spots. These spots are not only beautiful but also serve as a way to regulate their body temperature.
The gestation period for giraffes is approximately 15 months. Female giraffes give birth to a single calf, and the mother giraffe will care for the calf for up to 22 months.
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