Northern giraffe
A species of Giraffe, Also known as Giraffe, Baringo giraffe, West african giraffe, Kordofan giraffe Scientific name : Giraffa camelopardalis Genus : Giraffe
Northern giraffe, A species of Giraffe
Also known as:
Giraffe, Baringo giraffe, West african giraffe, Kordofan giraffe
Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis
Genus: Giraffe
Content
Description General Info
Photo By cquest , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The giraffes have two horn-like protuberances known as ossicones on their foreheads. The northern giraffe's are longer and larger than that of the southern giraffes', though male northern giraffes have a third cylindrical ossicone in the center of the head just above the eyes which are from 3 to 5 inches long.
General Info
Lifespan
10-25 years
Diet
Northern giraffe primarily subsists on a herbivorous diet, predominantly comprised of acacia leaves and small branches. Occasionally incorporating herbs, vines, flowers, they show a preference for high, fresh foliage that is inaccessible to most herbivores.
Appearance
Northern giraffe is distinguished by an extraordinarily long neck and legs, topped with a small head. Sporting a light tan coat adorned with dark-brown patches, it stands at almost 20 feet tall, making it the tallest terrestrial animal. Males are identifiable by their ossicones - horn-like structures covered in skin and hair. Both young and adults share these striking patterns, with minimal differences linked to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Northern giraffe exhibits diurnal behavior, commonly seen feeding on tall trees and shrubs. Distinctively, its long neck and adjustable tongue facilitate browsing at lofty heights, a unique feeding strategy among ruminants. Northern giraffe lives in loose social groups, showing no obvious territorial marking or defense behaviors. Male interactions involve necking contests; a fascinating display of dominance and mating rights.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By cquest , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original