Selective browsers that prefer new growth foliage of acacia, mimosa brush, and Combretum trees 2-5 m (6.6-16.5 ft) high; feed on shoots & leaves of 100+ plant species, including some herbs; choice determined by seasonal and local availability

Approximately 15 months (450-465 days); typically one offspring at a time

Approximately 3.5 years; usually will not breed until at least 8 years of age

Approximately 4-5 years

20-25 years, 28 year approximate max

African regions south of the Sahara Desert

Savannah, bush, scrub, and open acacia woodlands; semi-arid regions to regions of dense vegetation

Giraffes strip leaves from thorny acacia trees, sometimes colonized by ants, with their 45 cm (18 in.) long, prehensile tongues.

ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

Giraffes have a special niche in the African savanna. They are able to reach a six-foot band of foliage beyond the reach of all other terrestrial browsers except elephants. Their long tongue is useful for grasping leaves in the crowns of trees. (They also have a modified joint at the base of the skull that allows their head to extend vertically to reach the highest branches.) Giraffes only drink water every two to three days, but can drink up to 10 gallons at a time. They gather most of their water from the vegetation they eat.

The continuous, selective browsing habits of giraffes slow the growth of favorite bush and tree species. This foraging behavior maintains the open woodlands inhabited by many African ruminants.

(It is interesting to note that the seeds of some species of acacia trees will not germinate unless they pass through the giraffe's digestive system.)

Several types of birds, such as the oxpecker, perch on giraffes and form a mutually beneficial relationship. The birds find food by eating parasites picked from giraffes' skin and hair. This helps giraffes because parasites potentially could weaken them physically and leave them more vulnerable to prey.

The encroachment of human populations on their natural habitat has been devastating to the wild population, especially in West Africa.

Mankind has historically honored giraffes. African cave paintings included them, probably as favored prey, and ancient Egyptian art frequently featured giraffe designs. In fact, giraffe tail hairs are still collected for jewelry, and the hide is used to make sandals and ceremonial shields. Some tribes treat nose bleeds with the smoke from burning giraffe skin. Unfortunately giraffes antagonize farmers more and more, often when the animals forage on crops and compete with domestic stock for resources. This conflict is likely to escalate in the future as the African human population continues to increase.

In a cooperative effort with other AZA (American Association of Zoos and Aquariums) institutions, Busch Gardens closely manages giraffe populations through a program called the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to improve the genetic diversity of managed animal populations. Busch Gardens currently has 30 SSP animals.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Benyus, Janine. Beastly Behaviors. New York: Addison-Wesley Pub. Co., 1992.