southern giraffe

The southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is one of four species within the genus Giraffa, native to Africa. These long-necked, hoofed mammals are characterized by their distinctive coat patterns 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 around 4.5 meters (15 feet). They primarily inhabit grasslands and open woodlands in East and Southern Africa, feeding on leaves and shoots from trees, particularly acacia, using their long, prehensile tongues to reach foliage up to 6 meters (20 feet) high.123

While not classified as endangered, giraffes were reclassified as vulnerable in 2016 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Their closest relative is the okapi, the only other member of the family Giraffidae.14