What kind of animal is a giraffe? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Giraffes, one of the most famous and well-known animals, live mainly in Africa. However, it is true that some species are on the verge of extinction and are in a dangerous state, so I would like to introduce them to you.
What is a giraffe? About basic status
Giraffes are artiodactyls that are classified in the order Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Giraffeidae, genus Giraffe. The scientific name is Giraffa camelopardalis. It is a very large animal, with a body length of 4.7 – 5.3 m and a weight of 800 – 1,930 kg. It is the most famous of all herbivores and is often used in illustrations. It often appears in the news.
| Japanese（和名） | キリン（漢字：麒麟） |
| English（英名） | Giraffe |
| scientific name(学名) | Giraffa camelopardalis |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Artiodactyla/Cetartiodactyla、Giraffidae 哺乳綱、偶蹄目、キリン科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 4.7 – 5.3m |
| Weight（体重） | 800 – 1,930kg |
About classification
Giraffes are related to cows and are said to have diverged from a common ancestor with okapis 11.5 million years ago. There is actually more than one species of giraffe. There are many subspecies. The following variants exist: Each has a long history on Earth, and each location is different. Unfortunately, many of them are listed as endangered species.
| Name (名前) | Academic Name （学名） |
| Nubian giraffe ヌビアキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis |
| Angolan giraffe アンゴラキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis |
| Kordofan giraffe コルドファンキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum |
| South African giraffe ケープキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa |
| West African giraffe ナイジェリアキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis peralta |
| Reticulated giraffe アミメキリン | Giraffa reticulata |
| Rothschild’s giraffe ウガンダキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi |
| Thornicroft’s giraffe キタローデシアキリン | Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti |
| Masai giraffe マサイキリン | Giraffa tippelskirchi |
What is a Nubian giraffe?
The Nubian giraffe is a subspecies that lives in Ethiopia and South Sudan. The Nubian giraffe subspecies, once widespread in northeast Africa, has declined by 95% over the past 30 years and is now listed as endangered. Animals in urgent need of protection.
What is an Angora giraffe?
The Angora giraffe, also known as the Namibian giraffe or the smoky giraffe, is found in Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The population of this giraffe is relatively stable.
What is Kordofan giraffe?
The Kordofan giraffe is a giraffe found in Cameroon, Chad, Central Africa, and Sudan. Approximately 2,300 individuals live in the wild, but their numbers have declined dramatically and they are designated as an endangered species.
What is Cape Giraffe?
Cape giraffes are found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Mozambique. The wild population was announced to change to endangered species in 2016 at 31,500 individuals. It is said that without long-term conservation efforts, it will become extinct.
What is a Nigerian giraffe?
The Nigerian giraffe is also known as the Niger giraffe. Currently, there are only 400 individuals, so they are in urgent need of protection. Of course, this giraffe is also designated as an endangered species.
What is a reticulated giraffe?
The reticulated giraffe is a giraffe found in areas of Somalia and Ethiopia. This giraffe is also designated as an endangered species, but conservation efforts have begun and it is now strictly managed in national parks and zoos around the world.
What is a Ugandan giraffe?
The Ugandan giraffe is also known as the Rothschild giraffe. They are one of the most endangered giraffe populations, with only 1,399 adult giraffes remaining in the wild in 2018.
What is the Northern Rhodesia giraffe?
The Northern Rhodesia giraffe is called the Luangwa giraffe. Their numbers are small as they only live in the southern Luangwa Valley of Zambia. It is said that there are only 550 giraffes left, and this giraffe is also designated as an endangered species.
What is Masai Giraffe?
The Masai giraffe is also called the Kilimanja giraffe. It lives in south-central Kenya and Tanzania, and is characterized by jagged, irregular leaf-like spots. This giraffe is Tanzania’s national animal, but it is also listed as an endangered species.
About giraffe habitat
Giraffes can only be seen on the African continent. It is extinct in Mali, Eritrea, Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, and Mauritania.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The giraffe’s most distinctive feature is its long neck. They can and will eat leaves that are at a height that other animals cannot reach. This has the advantage of being able to quickly find and escape from natural enemies even if they are far away. Male giraffes of the same species cause “necking,” in which male giraffes fight by bumping their necks against each other. They are highly social and live in groups of about 10 to 20 individuals.
What will your personality look like?
Giraffes are very cautious. This is because they have natural enemies in Africa. Despite its large size, it has a very timid personality.
What is the ecology of giraffes?
In the wild, giraffes eat leaves and twigs and spend most of the day eating to maintain their large size. They usually rest and sleep while standing upright. During breeding, males engage in necking to determine superiority and compete for females. The gestation period is 453-464 days and the lactation period is 10 months. The lifespan is said to be 25 years.
Do giraffes have natural enemies?
The giraffe’s predator will be the lion. Children are also preyed upon by leopards, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs.
Why are giraffes an endangered species? What is the cause?
As explained above, most giraffe subspecies are designated as endangered species. Furthermore, it is listed in the Washington Convention, and international trade is strictly restricted. Giraffe populations have been halved and urgent conservation efforts are needed. Their population is decreasing due to the following reasons:
illegal hunting
Although giraffes are internationally protected, illegal hunting for their meat continues in Africa. As a result, the population has not recovered at all. Giraffe bones can be used for ornaments, so illegal poaching continues unabated.
habitat destruction
Habitat destruction is also a problem. In Africa in particular, rapid land development is progressing, creating a very harsh environment. They are now protected on a limited basis in zoos and national parks. Conservation events are also being held around the world.
Can giraffes be bred?
Giraffes are not very suitable for breeding because they are huge animals and are designated as an endangered species, so there are many restrictions. These animals require more protection than other animals, and urgent action is needed. It is safe to observe the actual rhinos on site.
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