About
Giraffe. Distributed in dry areas such as savannas and woodlands, they are widely found mainly in East and Southern Africa. Males are about 5–6 m in length, females about 4–5 m, characterized by long necks and legs. The heart and blood vessels have structures that withstand high blood pressure, and changes in blood flow to the brain when drinking are regulated by the rete mirabile and valves in the jugular veins. They are ruminants that feed mainly on multiple plants including acacia, and are diurnal. Herds form loose groups of about 10–20 individuals, and males compete by necking. Pregnancy is about 15 months, usually producing one calf, and the IUCN lists them as Near Threatened (Category II).
