Page 19 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

GIRAFFE 19

Neck
Most mammals have seven
cervical vertebrae (neck
bones), regardless of their size.
Those in the giraffes’ neck are
extremely large.

Key Facts ORDER Artiodactyla / FAMILY Giraffidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Giraffa camelopardalis

Weight Males: 800–1930kg (1763.8–4254.9Ib)
Females: 550–1180kg (1212.5–2601.4Ib)
Length Males: Up to 5.5m (18ft)
Females: up to 4.5m (14.8ft)
Sexual maturity 4–5 years
Breeding season All year
Number of young 1; occasionally twins

Gestation period 15 months
Breeding interval Females become receptive every
2 weeks
Typical diet Leaves and buds
Lifespan Up to 25 years in the wild;
28 in captivity

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.