The Habitat of a Giraffe
The giraffe is one of the most iconic of all African mammals, and is associated with Africa's open savannas and grasslands. With their unusual appearance, giraffes are a perfect example of the ways in which an animal can adapt to its environment.
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Geography
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Though their range originally stretched throughout sub-Saharan Africa, giraffes have been eliminated from much of the western part of the continent. Giraffes now inhabit scattered areas throughout eastern and southern Africa.
Features
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Giraffe habitat is predominantly arid and dominated by acacia trees. They may be found in savanna and open woodlands. Giraffes may also inhabit grasslands, as long as there are trees and bushes available.
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Food Sources
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Though they are normally associated with acacia trees, giraffes will eat a number of different plants. Their diet can consist of grasses, fruits, seed pods and leaves, depending on what is available in their particular habitat.
Adaptations
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Giraffes have elongated vertebrae that allow them to eat from trees many other herbivores cannot reach. Giraffes can also go without drinking for extended periods of time, making them ideally suited to dry conditions.
Considerations
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The original range of the giraffe has shrunk markedly due to human expansion and habitat destruction. Human conflict in nations like Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya has also led to a decrease in giraffe habitat, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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References
- Photo Credit giraffe image by TheThirdMan from Fotolia.com
