Idea # 161 – Watching the giraffes in South Africa
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is a mammal native of African savannas, spread from the Chad to South Africa. The old Greeks thought that the giraffe resulted from the union of the camel and the leopard, that is why the scientist named it camelopardalis. After several million years of evolution, the giraffe developed a particularly lengthened neck, which allows it in particular to graze the top of trees. She can achieve until 5,50 m or even 5,80 m of height. Its weight varies from 750 kg to 1 100 kg for females, and can go to 1 500 kg for males. We consider that the total population of giraffes represents no more than 110 000 to 150 000 individuals today. Let’s go, tightening the neck…
Where is it?
Hluhluwe-Imfosi, South Africa
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