Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) – Maasai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)

The giraffe is the tallest animal on land with an average height of around 5 meters (16-18 ft.) from top to bottom.

Its scientific name Giraffa camelopardalis came from the belief that it was related to a camel and a leopard because of its resemblance to the camel, characterized by its long legs, long neck, and distinctive spotted pattern that makes it look like a leopard’s pattern.

The Masai Giraffes, also known as Kilimanjaro Giraffes, are the tallest living terrestrial animals and quite a sight, incredibly gorgeous and recognized for their elegant movements even at their highest speed of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour. Masai giraffes are distinguishable from Reticulated Giraffes by the presence of jagged dots on their bodies as opposed to polygonal liver-colored markings. These gorgeous species may be seen in Tanzania when on a wildlife trip in Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, and the Ngorongoro crater.

Masai giraffes are diurnal and live in small groups. They feed 16 – 20 hours each day and prefer to browse on several Acacia species, utilizing their large lips and tongues to reach between the thorns and harvest the leaves. They have a four-chambered stomach and can chew their own cud. If there is plenty of fresh foliage available, they can subsist without water for weeks by extracting it from their meal. Male Masai giraffes feed from the upper branches, while females eat from the lower branches. Their primary adversaries are lions, hyenas, and poachers. Their main defense is their quickness and a strong kick that may knock a lion unconscious and, in certain circumstances, decapitate it.

Giraffe: Species Profile

COMMON NAME: Giraffe

SWAHILI NAME: Twiga

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Giraffa camelopardalis

MAASAI GIRAFFE SCIENTIFIC NAME: Giraffa tippelskirchi

TYPE: Mammal

FOOD: Giraffes are herbivores and primarily feed on the leaves and buds of trees, especially acacia trees. Their long necks and prehensile tongues allow them to reach vegetation at high levels. They also consume grass and occasionally eat fruits and seeds.

HABITAT: Giraffes inhabit various habitats across Africa, including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and open plains. They prefer areas with scattered trees and shrubs, as these provide both food and some shelter. Giraffes are commonly found in East Africa, Southern Africa, and parts of West Africa.

SIZE: Giraffes are the tallest land animals, with adult males reaching heights of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) and females measuring around 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall. They have long necks and long legs, giving them a distinctive appearance.

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE NATURAL HABITAT: In the wild, giraffes have an average lifespan of around 20 to 25 years. However, some individuals have been known to live longer, with a maximum recorded lifespan of over 30 years.

ACTIVE: Giraffes are primarily active during the day, and they are known to have irregular sleeping patterns, often sleeping for short periods of time. They spend a significant amount of their day feeding on leaves and socializing with other giraffes.

GESTATION PERIOD: The gestation period of a giraffe lasts approximately 14 to 15 months. After this period, a single calf is born. The newborn calf can stand and walk within an hour of birth.

WEIGHT: Adult giraffes can weigh anywhere between 800 and 1,400 kilograms (1,760 to 3,080 pounds), with males being heavier than females. Their weight varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and habitat conditions.

SIZE COMPARISON TO A 6-FT MAN: Giraffes are much taller than a 6-ft man. Standing at heights of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet), they tower over humans. Their long necks alone are often taller than the average person. Giraffes are truly remarkable creatures known for their unique and impressive stature.

Towering Elegance – Appearance:

The Maasai giraffe, also known as the Kilimanjaro giraffe, is one of the most iconic and majestic animals found in Tanzania. Here are some key features that define the appearance of the Maasai giraffe:

1. Tall Stature: The Maasai giraffe is the tallest land mammal, standing at an impressive height of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters). Their long necks and legs contribute to their towering presence in the African savannah.
2. Distinctive Coat Patterns: Maasai giraffes have a unique coat pattern characterized by irregular, jagged-edged patches. These patches are separated by lighter cream or white coloration, creating a beautiful contrast against their reddish-brown or orange-brown background.
3. Ossicones: Both male and female Maasai giraffes possess ossicones, which are horn-like structures on top of their heads. The ossicones of males tend to be thicker and more bald at the top, while females have thinner and tufted ossicones.
4. Long Neck: The neck of the Maasai giraffe can reach a length of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). It consists of seven elongated vertebrae, allowing them to browse leaves from trees that other herbivores cannot reach.
5. Gentle Eyes: Maasai giraffes have large, expressive eyes with long eyelashes. These eyes provide them with excellent vision, allowing them to spot potential predators or food sources from a distance.
6. Tongue Adaptations: The tongue of a Maasai giraffe can extend up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) long. It is prehensile and covered in tough, modified papillae, which helps them strip leaves from branches without getting injured by thorns or spines.
7. Size and Weight: Maasai giraffes can weigh anywhere between 1,600 and 2,600 pounds (700 to 1,200 kilograms), with males being slightly larger and heavier than females.

The striking appearance of the Maasai giraffe makes it an iconic and easily recognizable species. Their unique coat patterns, long necks, and tall stature make them a captivating sight to behold in the Tanzanian wilderness.

A. Impressive Height:

The Masai Giraffe stands as the tallest land animal on our planet. Adult males, known as bulls, can reach staggering heights of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet), while females, called cows, typically measure around 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall. Their long necks, measuring up to 2.4 meters (8 feet) in length, allow them to gracefully browse on leaves high in the acacia trees, their primary food source.

B. Distinguishing Coat Patterns:

One of the most striking features of the Masai Giraffe is its unique coat pattern. The patches, ranging in color from orange to chestnut, are separated by white lines, giving each individual its distinct identity. No two giraffes share the exact same pattern, making them easily recognizable and adding to their enchanting allure.

Habitat and Range:

A. East African Savannas:

The Masai Giraffe primarily inhabits the savannas and open woodlands of East Africa. They can be found in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, where the landscape provides a rich mix of grasses and trees suitable for their feeding habits.

B. Versatile Migrators:

Masai Giraffes are known to be migratory, moving across vast distances in search of food and water. Their ability to adapt to different habitats, from arid plains to riverine forests, enables them to thrive in various ecosystems within their range.

Unique Adaptations:

A. Feeding Mechanisms:

To reach the delectable leaves high above, Masai Giraffes possess an extraordinary adaptation – an elongated neck and a specialized tongue. Their prehensile, 45-centimeter (18-inch) long tongue is equipped with a tough and flexible structure that allows them to strip leaves from thorny acacia branches while avoiding injury.

B. High-Altitude Hearts:

Living at such towering heights presents unique challenges for the cardiovascular system. Masai Giraffes have evolved with a remarkably strong heart that pumps blood efficiently up their long necks, ensuring a steady supply of oxygen to all parts of their body.

Social Behavior:

The Maasai giraffe, with its towering presence and graceful movements, displays several fascinating behaviors that contribute to its survival in the wild. Here are some key aspects of Maasai giraffe behavior:

1. Herbivorous Diet: Maasai giraffes are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, twigs, and fruits. Their long necks and tongues allow them to reach high branches and strip leaves from trees. They are known to browse on a variety of plant species, adapting their diet based on seasonal availability.
2. Social Structure: Maasai giraffes are social animals and typically live in small groups called “tower” or “journey.” These groups usually consist of adult females and their offspring. Adult males are more solitary and often engage in territorial behaviors.
3. Territoriality and Necking: Male Maasai giraffes engage in a behavior called “necking,” where they swing their necks and heads to establish dominance and compete for access to mates. This behavior involves fierce clashes and powerful blows between males, using their necks as weapons.
4. Communication: Maasai giraffes communicate through various vocalizations, including grunts, moans, hisses, and flute-like sounds. These vocalizations play a role in social interactions, such as courtship, warning calls, or communication within a group.
5. Mating and Reproduction: During the mating season, male giraffes compete for the attention of females. Mating involves the male approaching the female and mounting her from behind. After a gestation period of around 15 months, the female gives birth to a single calf, which can stand and walk within hours of birth.
6. Vigilance and Defense: Maasai giraffes exhibit vigilance against potential predators. With their elevated height, they have a broad field of vision, allowing them to detect predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles from a distance. When threatened, they can deliver powerful kicks with their long legs to defend themselves.
7. Migration: In some regions, Maasai giraffes undertake seasonal migrations in search of food and water. These migrations can involve traveling long distances, following traditional routes that are passed down through generations.

The behavior of Maasai giraffes is a testament to their adaptability and survival strategies in the African savannah. Their social interactions, feeding habits, and defensive behaviors contribute to the dynamic nature of these magnificent creatures.

A. Sociable Creatures:

Masai Giraffes exhibit a social structure centered around loosely formed groups called towers. These groups can consist of females and their young, with a few adult males nearby. However, Masai Giraffes are not highly territorial, and towers often interact peacefully with one another, creating large aggregations of individuals in areas with abundant food resources.

B. Silent Communication:

While Masai Giraffes are not known for vocalizations, they communicate through a range of non-verbal cues. These include postures, movements, and visual displays, such as necking, where males engage in ritualized combat to establish dominance and breeding rights.

Conservation Efforts:

A. Facing Conservation Challenges:

Despite their iconic status, Masai Giraffes face significant conservation challenges. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict threaten their populations. The Masai Giraffe is currently listed as endangered, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action.

B. Conservation Initiatives:

Numerous conservation organizations, local communities, and governments are working tirelessly to protect the Masai Giraffe and its habitat. Efforts include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community-based initiatives that promote sustainable land use practices and raise awareness about the importance of giraffe conservation.

Conclusion:

The Masai Giraffe, with its towering elegance, unique coat patterns, and gentle nature, serves as a symbol of Africa’s vast and diverse wildlife heritage. Understanding and appreciating the beauty and ecological role of these majestic creatures is vital for their conservation and the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity. Through concerted conservation efforts, we can ensure a future where the Masai Giraffe continues to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come.

BEST DESTINATIONS FOR GIRAFFES IN TANZANIA & KENYA

Giraffes live in Africa’s savannah woodland where acacia trees are found in plenty. Their long height makes them eat leaves and shoots located higher on the trees which other animals cannot reach.

The best place to see the giraffe in Tanzania is the Serengeti National Park and the Tarangire national park where there are many Masai giraffes.

The best destinations to see giraffes in Kenya is the Amboseli national park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, and Samburu National Park where there are many reticulated giraffes.

Giraffe Adaptation, Behaviour & Gestation Period

Their adaptation to their environment gives them long tongues which to help pull leaves from the trees. A full-grown giraffe consumes over 45 kg (100 lb.) of leaves and twigs a day which means they spend most of the day eating.

When walking, giraffes move like they are cat walking, both legs on one side of their body and then both legs on the other side; this unique movement is specific to giraffes. They run just like all other animals, however, they cannot run for a long distance with a running speed that can reach 55 km/h (35 mph) at full speed.

Giraffes are active for more than 20 hours a day, they remain active day and night and they sleep less than two hours a day. When sleeping, giraffes tuck their long feet with their head resting on their hindquarters, Sometimes they sleep while standing for a very short time.

Normally in the wild, giraffes live up to 25 years. At around 5 years old, an adult female giraffe is able to become pregnant. About the giraffe gestation period, they carry a baby for about 15 months and give birth while standing up an event that is very quick and takes about 30 minutes before the baby giraffe becomes vulnerable to predators like lions and hyenas. Newborns are about 2 m (6 ft.) tall and weigh 70 kg (150 lb.).

Giraffe Species found in Tanzania and Kenya

The most common giraffe species that is found in Tanzania is the Maasai Giraffe, while a few species of the reticulated giraffes can be found in parts of Kenya, like the Samburu national park. It was in 2016 that Genetic research led to a four new taxonomic classification derived from single species of giraffes which also led way to five subspecies and two ecotypes. The new species which are listed below include the northern giraffe, the southern giraffe, the reticulated giraffe and the famous Masai giraffe.

• Masai Giraffe

  The Masai giraffe also known as the Kilimanjaro Giraffe also scientifically referred to as (Giraffa tippelskirchi), is the largest of all the giraffe species. The Masai giraffe is alsothe tallest land animal.

• Rothschild Giraffe

  The Rothschild’s giraffe formerly one of the subspecies is now considered and ecotype of the Northern giraffe because of the taxonomy changes of 2016. This giraffe also is known as Ugandan or Baringo dwells mainly in Kenya and Uganda.

• Reticulated Giraffe

  The Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) has a coat pattern with uniform-colored spots and sharp edges making it easy to identify. They inhabit the savannas and open forests of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

• Northern Giraffe

  The Northern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is a species that according to the new taxonomic classification of 2016 it has three subspecies, the Nubian, the Kordofan and the West African giraffes. The savannahs of Kenya and Ethiopia are its primary habitats.

Giraffes Found in other African Countries

• West African Giraffe

  The West African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta) also known as Nigerian giraffe is one of the subspecies of the Northern giraffe which inhabits a small area of Nigeria and is probably the most threatened subspecies.

• Southern Giraffe

  The Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) has two subspecies, the Angolan giraffe, and the South African giraffe according to the new taxonomic classification of 2016. Both subspecies dwell in countries like Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

All Giraffe species and subspecies in numbers:

Southern giraffe	Giraffa giraffa	52,000
Angolan giraffe	G. g. angolensis	13,000
South African giraffe	G. g. giraffa	39,000
Northern giraffe	Giraffa camelopardalis	5,190
Nubian giraffe	G. c. camelopardalis	2,640
Kordofan giraffe	G. c. antiquorum	2,000
West African giraffe	G. c. peralta	550
Reticulated giraffe	Giraffa reticulata	8,700
Masai giraffe	Giraffa tippelskirchi	32,500