Giraffes - Subspecies
There are a few subspecies of Giraffes. They have some appearance differences and may live in different habitats. Thus, the Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) covers the territory of northeastern Kenya. It has large chest-colored patches interspersed with white ones. The Rothschild's Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) has similar coloration but for the absence of spotting below the knees. Besides, it has up to five knobs instead of two. The common habitat of the Rothschild's Giraffe is western Kenya and eastern Uganda. The coloration of the Masai Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tipelskirchi) is quite different from the other Giraffes. This species has star-shaped spots of brown and tan color. It lives in Tanzania and southern Kenya.
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Giraffes - Habitat
Giraffes live in southern parts of Africa on dry, hard lands. They are seen mostly in areas with abundance of trees. It is interesting to know that males and females have different preferences for habitat. Females are rarely found in the woodland. This behavior is connected with the feeding habits of Giraffes. Since males eat leaves from the highest trees, they can afford going to the woodland for food.
Giraffes do not travel long distances. They cannot walk much on swampy land since their hooves start sinking. As a matter of fact, Giraffes have few reasons to cover long distances. They have enough food most on time. During dry seasons, Giraffes feed on evergreen leaves.
Giraffes - Diet
In most areas, Giraffes have abundance of food. They feed on the fruits of various trees and on grass. Acacia trees are the favorite food of the Giraffe. The species uses its long muscular tongue and lips to rip the leaves from the branches. Giraffes do not have to migrate in dry seasons. They feed on evergreen leaves and do not experience any shortage of water.
Giraffes spend a lot of time feeding. An animal can spend 16-20 hours a day on ripping and chewing foliage. On average, the Giraffe consumes about 65 pounds of leaves. However, Giraffes are OK with little food and they do well with just 15 pounds of foliage a day.
Giraffes - General Information Links
10,000 Year Old Giraffe Carvings in the Sahara Desert - Giraffe contents, introduction, and galleries.
A Curious Giraffe - General information on Giraffes.
Africa on the Matrix: Giraffe - Posts photographs of the animal and discusses the two subspecies.
Animal Bytes: Giraffe - This page has information on the eating habits and appearance of Giraffes. Includes a Giraffe video.
Animal Diversity Web - Giraffe - University of Michigan database profiles the towering mammal found in the Sahara. Explore the creature's food, reproduction, and behavior habits.
Animal Fact Sheets: Reticulated Giraffe - Classification and range, habitat, and other information.
Creature Feature: Giraffes - Details about the Giraffe from the National Geographic.
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Discovery - Animal Planet, Giraffes - Discovery Channel expert responds to questions regarding Giraffes. Learn about the species' biology, ecology, and behavior.
Enchanted Learning: Giraffes - Click the Giraffe on the left for general information about this animal. Print out the Giraffe illustrations to color or a diagram for labeling. Includes Giraffe stationery.
Fact Sheet: Reticulated Giraffe - Habitat, reproduction, and life style.
FactMonster: Giraffe - This is a short encyclopedia entry about Giraffes.
Fun Interactive Giraffe Info Page - Everything you wanted to know about Giraffes is here!
Giraffa camelopardalis - Background Information, Habitat, and Feeding Behavior of the Giraffe.
Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata (Reticulated Giraffe) - Description, behavior, reproduction, and other information.
Giraffe - Contains information about the appearance, size, habitat, and diet of the Giraffe.
Giraffe Gallery Text Index - Photo gallery and comments.
Giraffe Info at Thinkquest - Information about Giraffes. Contains diet, reproduction, and behavior.
Giraffe Information and Pictures - Videos and pictures of Giraffes in the wild.
Giraffe Photos - Pictures of Giraffes in the wild.
Giraffe Pictures - This photo gallery contains pictures of Giraffes, elephants, and their relatives.
Giraffe: Smithsonian National Zoological Park - In addition to general information about Giraffes, this page has some fun facts.
Giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - General information.
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Janet LaFara's Giraffe Haven - Photos, drawings, and backgrounds. Also download free and fun crafts.
Mokapi - The Okapi - Three photos and a few links.
Okapi - Okapia johnstoni - General biological information on the "forest Giraffe," with photo and links to other websites. The only known living relative of the Giraffe.
Giraffes Guide - Mankind has historically honored Giraffes. Learn more about these creatures.
Kids Page: Giraffe - Information and pictures of the Giraffe.
MSN Encarta - Giraffe - Guide features details on this animal's appearance, habitat, and lifestyle. Peruse related resource links.
Oakland Zoo - Information about the habitat, diet, social structure, adaptations and status of the Reticulated Giraffe. Includes a photo and two videos.
Reticulated Giraffe - Giraffa camelopardalis - General information on the Giraffe.
Reticulated Giraffe at Rolling Hills Refuge - Information about the reticulated Giraffe.
The Giraffe: Utah's Hogle Zoo - Learn the difference between Baringo and Reticulated Giraffes. Find out how much a Giraffe's head and neck weigh.
