Giraffes do not have any special status. They are protected by hunting laws and do not have many predators. To understand the population growth dynamics and the species' range, it is worth wile investigating various facts that may influence its status. Natural predators and human influence, as well as habitat needs should be taken into consideration.
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Photo courtesy of
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The Giraffe is found on a vast territory in eastern and southern parts of Africa. Until the 20th century, however, the species could be observed in other parts of the continent, namely, in West Africa. Gradually, the populations of the Giraffe became scarce in these areas.
Giraffes - Predators
The Giraffe has few natural predators. Adults rarely become the victims of predators. It is the young that are the targets of lions, hyenas, and leopards. It is established that about a quarter of juvenile do not survive in their first year.
For a long time, humans prized the Giraffe's tail. There was a tradition in ancient cultures to make bracelets, threads for sewing, and other objects from the Giraffe tail. For centuries, the species has been killed for its tail only. They were also hunted for their skin. Although Giraffes are one of the most vigilant animals due to their keen senses, they are easily killed. Hunting laws do not allow killing the Giraffe. However, poaching still occurs.
Giraffes do not experience any food shortage and habitat loss. They thrive on moist leaves that provide them with necessary nutrients and cover a great part of their water needs. Giraffes do not have to move for long distances in search of food.
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Photo courtesy of
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Giraffes - Facts about the Species
Barcelona Zoo - Rotshild's Giraffe - Learn about the Giraffe, how it feeds and view statistics, picture, and a map of its habitat.
Born to Be Wild: Giraffes on the Move - Joanna Lumley joins the Kenya Wildlife Service to catch a herd of endangered Giraffes. Several young Giraffes are relocated to a new home.
Giraffe Behavior - Information on the life style of this species.
Giraffe Centre - Tour the main project of the African Fund for Endangered Animals. Discusses what is left of Kenyan forests and Giraffes.
Giraffe Characteristics - Species information including diet, habitat, and environmental connections.
Giraffe Immobilization and Anesthesia - This full-text document discusses the unique complications of Giraffe immobilization and anesthesia, and the scientific advances made in the last three decades.
Giraffe Overview - Physical characteristics, distribution, behavior, reproduction and growth, and other facts.
Giraffe Population - Facts on the species and population growth tendencies.
Giraffe Printout- EnchantedLearning.com - Information on Giraffes.
Giraffes - Are you going on a vacation to Africa? Well, if you see a strange animal poke it's head through your window, and it's a Giraffe, then this is the article for you.
Giraffes: WhoZoo - General information and pictures. Also links to Giraffe related sites.
GreenLeap: Giraffes - Physical adaptations, diet, range, social organization, and activity.
Oakland Zoo - Information about the habitat, diet, social structure, adaptations and status of the Reticulated Giraffe. Includes a photo and two videos.
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Giraffes at Dusk
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Natural History Giraffe Info - General outline.
Orphaned Giraffe Hand Rearing - Facts on hand rearing of Giraffes.
PBS: The Living Edens - Learn about the characteristics of the Giraffe that make it different from other animals. Includes information on benefits of the high life and the description of a Giraffe baby.
Read-the-Zoo Activities - Reticulated Giraffe - Information about the Reticulated Giraffe.
Reticulated Giraffe - Tallest of All - Description, status, and habitat.
Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) - Facts about the appearance, habitat, diet, predators, social structure, offspring and senses. Includes photos and videos.
Wild Lives Giraffe Facts - Physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, and other facts about the Giraffe.
Safaripark Giraffe Info - Species information and a picture.
The Giraffe is Unknown Outside of Africa - General description, habitat, and reproduction.
The Story of the Giraffe - Interesting facts about Giraffes.
Wildlife Africa - Giraffe Behavior - Sums up the general behavior and breeding habits of the world's tallest animal.
