Page 42 - World of Animals - Issue #31

Giraffes: standing tall

Surviving the savannah

It is no stretch to say that one of the world’s most
iconic animals is unrivalled in its adaptations

The giraffe cuts a grand silhouette against the simply cannot reach. Not
backdrop of the African sun and baking open terrain. only that, but their prehensile
It’s no wonder that travellers come from far and wide black tongues can grow to
just to get a glimpse of these looming figures. an incredible 50 centimetres
Food can be hard to come by in the savannah (20 inches) long for that extra
and many animals find themselves struggling for bit of reach. The thorns of the
sustenance in the dry season. Fortunately, evolution acacia do not cause any trouble
has granted giraffes with unique adaptations to survive for a giraffe’s grasping tongue
in what can be a harsh habitat. Their gaze from on high but put lots of other animals off.
is not only on the search for thorny acacia trees to feed Amazingly, if a giraffe finds enough
on, but also watching out for hunting lions or smaller foliage to eat then it can last
predators, like leopards and hyenas, that may prey on without water for days. Adult giraffes
vulnerable calves. Their characteristic patchy coats are at their most vulnerable when they
provide them with camouflage, helping them blend are bent down to drink so this efficient
into the dappled light under trees. eating reduces the time spent in danger.
Being so tall comes with more advantages than just The giraffe is an incredibly capable browser
keeping a lookout. With their uniquely long necks, and able to capitalise on every advantage
giraffes can browse for foliage where other herbivores provided by its extraordinary physiology.

Did you
know?

Both humans and
long-necked giraffes
have seven cervical
vertebrae.

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