northern giraffe
Quick Summary
The northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is a species of mammal native to Africa, known for its extremely long neck and legs, and a coat pattern of irregular brown patches on a light background. Giraffes are the tallest land animals, with males reaching over 5.5 meters (18 feet) and females about 4.5 meters (15 feet). They use their long, prehensile tongues to browse foliage from trees, primarily acacia, reaching up to 6 meters (20 feet) high.123
Giraffes inhabit grasslands and open woodlands in East Africa, with some found in Southern Africa. They live in social groups and have excellent eyesight, which helps them detect predators like lions. While not classified as endangered, their conservation status is vulnerable due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.41
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