Giraffe Reticulated

Mammals

Class:

MAMMALIA

Order:

CETARTIODACTYLA

Family:

GIRAFFIDAE

Scientific Name:

Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

Where it lives:

Distribution and Habitat:

The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is widespread in Africa, south of the Sahara (red and green areas on the map). It inhabits wooded savannas predominantly with acacia trees. The area where the subspecies Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata present at the Bioparco lives is indicated in green on the map.

Size

It is the tallest existing mammal, with a neck that is three meters long. It can exceed five meters in height and weigh over 1000 kg. The subspecies Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata is named for the distinctive reticulated pattern of its coat: large reddish-brown polygonal patches separated by a network of bright white lines. These patches can sometimes be intensely red and may even cover the legs.

Behavior

A social animal, it lives in small family groups consisting of females with their young, while males live in separate groups. Sometimes, multiple family groups come together to form herds of up to 70 individuals. Due to its size and powerful kicks, it is rarely threatened by large predators; only the lion, with its sophisticated group hunting, can prey on an adult giraffe. In contrast, calves are very vulnerable and often fall victim to lions and spotted hyenas.

Reproduction

Reproduction: It mates around five years of age, and after a gestation of about 15 months, it gives birth to a calf that is already two meters tall, weighing about 100 kg and capable of walking.

Diet

Diet: Herbivore, it mainly feeds on leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers, preferring the acacia, a thorny tree characteristic of African savannas. It eats up to 30 kg of vegetation per day, spending up to 20 hours feeding! Thanks to its long neck, it can easily reach the highest leaves of trees, a food source that, except for elephants, no other animal can exploit.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Contrary to popular belief, its very long neck is composed of only seven vertebrae, like most mammals, including humans. Its characteristic blue tongue is also very long, extending up to 40 cm to grasp the leaves of the plants it feeds on.

Threat Level

Threat Level: It is a threatened species due to habitat reduction and fragmentation, as well as poaching.

LEGEND

CITES: The species is protected by the Washington Convention – also known as CITES – which regulates international trade in wild fauna and flora species. CITES is an agreement among over 160 governments that, through international and national laws, regulates or even prohibits the export, import, sale, and possession of many species and their derivatives such as skins or ivory.
EEP/ESB: The species is part of a European conservation program coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), of which the Bioparco is a member. The EEP (Eaza Ex Situ species Programme) includes various actions such as captive breeding for potential releases into the wild, public awareness, and scientific research. The European studbook (ESB) is an inventory aimed at monitoring the status of individuals of a particular species in captivity and generally precedes the EEP.
RED LIST IUCN: The species is included in the Red List of Threatened Species compiled by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This is the most comprehensive inventory that codifies the degree of threat to species globally based on a system of categories and scientifically rigorous quantitative criteria.