Giraffe Facts
Giraffes are the tallest land animals. A giraffe can easily eat from tall tree branches using its long neck and tongue. Giraffes also have a spotted pattern that allows them to blend into the environment of the trees as a type of camouflage.
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Features
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A giraffe can measure up to 18 feet tall. Its neck and legs are an average of 6 feet in length. A female giraffe can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds and a male can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. The tongue is 18 to 20 inches in length.
Diet
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Giraffes are herbivores, which means they eat vegetation. They are particularly fond of acacia leaves. Giraffes can go without water for long periods of time although they do derive water from the leaves they eat.
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Habitat
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The giraffe's natural habitat includes plains, savannas and woodlands. They are found in Africa and mostly south of the Sahara Desert.
Speed
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The giraffe can run at a speed of up to 35 mph for short distances and can cruise at 10 mph for long distances.
Reproduction
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Female giraffes give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of 14 months. The newborn is about 6 feet tall at birth. The average lifespan of a giraffe is 15 to 25 years.
Fun Fact
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The giraffe has the longest tail of any land animal. It can be up to 8 feet long.
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References
- Photo Credit svdmolen: commons.wikimedia.org
