|
||
Giraff FactsGiraff fact #1The giraff is the tallest of all land-living animals in the world and has the largest neck to body size ratio of any other animal. It can become as tall as 18 feet (5,5 meters) and weigh up to 3.000 pounds (1.400 kg), almost half of that height is pure neck. The spotted brownish pattern that covers the whole giraff except its belly is also a giraff fact. |
Giraff fact #2
The giraff lives in the south, central and eastern parts of Africa where it slowly browse the arid savannah and shady forests for food. Living almost only on leaves from trees, it always has to keep moving from forest to forest. An interesting giraff fact is that the giraff is related to cattle, although it isn’t commonly known.
Giraff facts #3
The giraff is a very social animal that form large herds with other giraffs. They aren’t even picky when it comes to gender, age or health, everyone is welcome. The giraff is also always surrounded by other kind of animals other than giraffs. They aren’t a part of the herd but are using the giraff as an early alarm system for predators. This is due to the fact that the giraff with its long neck and high stature can spot oncoming danger on great distances. Although the giraff will try to warn its herd, the other animals will understand the signals and make a run for it.
Giraff fact #4
If attacked the giraff came perform powerful kicks with their slightly larger front legs. That such a kick could shatter a lions skull is a giraff fact. The giraff is also equipped with two knobs on its head. They are used to protect the skull when using its own head as a weapon. With the length of its neck, the giraff can swing its head with tremendous force and send smaller animals flying through the air. The giraff usually uses this technique against other giraffs to attract females though, trying to give each other blows over the body and neck.
Giraff facts #5
The tongue of the giraff is very long and has a distinct blue colour. With its tongue the giraff can clean its entire head from vermin and even grab small bushes and twigs to be pulled into its mouth and thereafter eaten, almost like an elephant uses its trunk but not as powerful.
Giraff facts #6
Due to the height of the giraffe its heart need to pump blood at an awesome pressure up to its head and brain. A giraff fact is that, when bending its head down to drink water or get things of the ground, blood would rush to its head and instantly kill it. This is prohibited by a complex pressure controlling system within the giraff, making it possible for it to reach the highest leaves and then into the lowest pool of water
|
Copyright 2005 giraffs.info. header picture copyright Sandra Fenley
Other network sites: Mammals, Birds & Reptiles - Insects & Fish - Plants - Sponsors
giraff fact