African Giraffe
Facts About The African Giraffe
The term African giraffe is somewhat redundant, in that Africa is the only continent where the giraffe will be found in its natural habitat. The term certainly has some validity however, in that the giraffe's habitat extends over much of the continent, essentially everywhere south of the Sahara, with the exception of west central Africa. While other species, such as the elephant, are found to adjoining continents, you won't find giraffes any where outside of Africa, except in zoos.
Still, African giraffe has some real meaning. The animal has played a role in many different cultures throughout the continent. It is a much-loved and greatly respected animal. Unfortunately this has made it vulnerable to poaching, as some seek its hide and meat. Fortunately, the giraffe is protected over most of its widespread habitat. Before it became a protected species, its tail was highly prized as a fly whisk, especially in east Africa. Prior to merging with Zanzibar to form Tanzania, the country of Tanganyika, once a British colony, featured the head of a giraffe on its state seal.
In centuries past, the African giraffe was introduced to other continents and countries, usually as a gift or as an attraction. There are reports of giraffes being transported to China in the 15th century, and to ancient Rome as well. An occasional giraffe found its way to the great cities of Europe from the 15th into the 19th centuries, eventually becoming a staple in zoos in Europe, and later throughout the world.
The African giraffe is the tallest land mammal in the world. Males commonly grow to a height of 18 feet, females being a bit shorter. The tallest known giraffe attained a height of just over 19 feet. They are quite fast runners, though only for short stretches, but their speed enables them to often outrun their only predator, the lion. Contrary to the thinking that this is basically a defenseless animal, a giraffe is quite capable of killing a lion with its powerful kick. Male giraffes will on occasion fight by whipping one another with their long necks and heads. This is known as necking, and while usually it does not result in serious harm, the blows are very powerful, and can cause lethal injuries.
Other herbivores generally welcome the presence of giraffes among them. The giraffe will eat food which they cannot reach, so there is little competition in that respect. Also one of the advantages of the giraffe's long neck is that it allows it to serve as an excellent lookout for predators. Among other giraffes, the giraffe is quite a social animal, but does not necessarily stay with any one herd, or the same group, but will tend to mingle with whatever other giraffes happen to be in the neighborhood.
The giraffe is just one of a handful of animals which, when you see one, you think "Africa". They are a protected species, and their numbers have in recent times remained relatively stable. Let us hope that continues to be the case, and we will have our African giraffe for many generations to come.