The giraffe (Giraffa) is a genus of African even-toed ungulate mammals, the tallest

living terrestrial animals and the largest ruminants. The genus currently consists
of one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, the type species. Seven other species are
extinct, prehistoric species known from fossils. Taxonomic classifications of one
to eight extant giraffe species have been described, based upon research into the
mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, as well as morphological measurements of Giraffa,
but the IUCN currently recognises only one species with nine subspecies.

The giraffe's chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and
legs, its horn-like ossicones, and its distinctive coat patterns. It is classified
under the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the okapi. Its
scattered range extends from Chad in the north to South Africa in the south, and
from Niger in the west to Somalia in the east. Giraffes usually inhabit savannahs
and woodlands. Their food source is leaves, fruits and flowers of woody plants,
primarily acacia species, which they browse at heights most other herbivores cannot
reach. They may be preyed on by lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and African wild
dogs. Giraffes live in herds of related females and their offspring, or bachelor
herds of unrelated adult males, but are gregarious and may gather in large
aggregations. Males establish social hierarchies through "necking", which are
combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon. Dominant males gain mating access
to females, which bear the sole responsibility for raising the young.

The giraffe has intrigued various cultures, both ancient and modern, for its
peculiar appearance, and has often been featured in paintings, books, and cartoons.
It is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as
Vulnerable to extinction, and has been extirpated from many parts of its former
range. Giraffes are still found in numerous national parks and game reserves but
estimations as of 2016 indicate that there are approximately 97,500 members of
Giraffa in the wild, with around 1,144 in captivity.

Contents
1 Etymology
2 Taxonomy
2.1 Evolution
2.2 Species and subspecies
3 Appearance and anatomy
3.1 Skull and ossicones
3.2 Legs, locomotion and posture
3.3 Neck
3.4 Internal systems
4 Behaviour and ecology
4.1 Habitat and feeding
4.2 Social life
4.3 Reproduction and parental care
4.4 Necking
4.5 Mortality and health
5 Relationship with humans
5.1 Exploitation and conservation status
6 References
7 External links
Etymology
The name "giraffe" has its earliest known origins in the Arabic word zarafah
(?????),[2] perhaps borrowed from the animal's Somali name geri.[3] The Arab name
is translated as "fast-walker".[4] There were several Middle English spellings,
such as jarraf, ziraph, and gerfauntz.[2] The Italian form giraffa arose in the
1590s.[2] The modern English form developed around 1600 from the French girafe.[2]
"Camelopard" is an archaic English name for the giraffe deriving from the Ancient
Greek for camel and leopard, referring to its camel-like shape and its leopard-like
colouring.[5][6]
Taxonomy
Living giraffes were originally classified as one species by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
He gave it the binomial name Cervus camelopardalis. Morten Thrane Br�nnich
classified the genus Giraffa in 1772.[7] The species name camelopardalis is from
Latin.[8]

Evolution
Ruminantia
Tragulina
Tragulidae Kantschil-drawing white background.jpg

Pecora

Antilocapridae Antilocapra white background.jpg

Giraffidae Giraffa camelopardalis Brockhaus white background.jpg

Cervidae The deer of all lands (1898) Hangul white background.png

Bovidae Birds and nature (1901) (14562088237) white background.jpg

Moschidae Moschus chrysogaster white background.jpg

Cladogram based on a 2003 study by Hassanin and Douzery.[9][10]

The giraffe is one of only two living genera of the family Giraffidae in the order
Artiodactyla, the other being the okapi. The family was once much more extensive,
with over 10 fossil genera described. Their closest known relatives are the extinct
deer-like climacocerids. They, together with the family Antilocapridae (whose only
extant species is the pronghorn), belong to the superfamily Giraffoidea. These
animals may have evolved from the extinct family Palaeomerycidae which might also
have been the ancestor of deer.[11]

The elongation of the neck appears to have started early in the giraffe lineage.
Comparisons between giraffes and their ancient relatives suggest that vertebrae
close to the skull lengthened earlier, followed by lengthening of vertebrae further
down.[12] One early giraffid ancestor was Canthumeryx which has been dated
variously to have lived 25�20 million years ago (mya), 17�15 mya or 18�14.3 mya and
whose deposits have been found in Libya. This animal was medium-sized, slender and
antelope-like. Giraffokeryx appeared 15 mya in the Indian subcontinent and
resembled an okapi or a small giraffe, and had a longer neck and similar ossicones.
[11] Giraffokeryx may have shared a clade with more massively built giraffids like
Sivatherium and Bramatherium.[12]
The extinct giraffid Samotherium (middle) in comparison with the okapi (below) and
giraffe. The anatomy of Samotherium appears to have shown a transition to a
giraffe-like neck.[13]
Giraffids like Palaeotragus, Shansitherium and Samotherium appeared 14 mya and
lived throughout Africa and Eurasia. These animals had bare ossicones and small
cranial sinuses and were longer with broader skulls.[11][12] Paleotragus resembled
the okapi and may have been its ancestor.[11] Others find that the okapi lineage
diverged earlier, before Giraffokeryx.[12] Samotherium was a particularly important
transitional fossil in the giraffe lineage as its cervical vertebrae was
intermediate in length and structure between a modern giraffe and an okapi, and was
more vertical than the okapi's.[13] Bohlinia, which first appeared in southeastern
Europe and lived 9�7 mya was likely a direct ancestor of the giraffe. Bohlinia
closely resembled modern giraffes, having a long neck and legs and similar
ossicones and dentition.[11]

Bohlinia entered China and northern India in response to climate change. From
there, the genus Giraffa evolved and, around 7 mya, entered Africa.[14] Further
climate changes caused the extinction of the Asian giraffes, while the African
giraffes survived and radiated into several new species. Living giraffes appear to
have arisen around 1 mya in eastern Africa during the Pleistocene.[11] Some
biologists suggest the modern giraffes descended from G. jumae;[15] others find G.
gracilis a more likely candidate.[11] G. jumae was larger and more heavily built
while G. gracilis was smaller and more lightly built. The main driver for the
evolution of the giraffes is believed to have been the changes from extensive
forests to more open habitats, which began 8 mya.[11] During this time, tropical
plants disappeared and were replaced by arid C4 plants, and a dry savannah emerged
across eastern and northern Africa and western India.[16][17] Some researchers have
hypothesised that this new habitat coupled with a different diet, including acacia
species, may have exposed giraffe ancestors to toxins that caused higher mutation
rates and a higher rate of evolution.[18] The coat patterns of modern giraffes may
also have coincided with these habitat changes. Asian giraffes are hypothesised to
have had more okapi-like colourations.[11]

In the early 19th century, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck believed the giraffe's long neck
was an "acquired characteristic", developed as generations of ancestral giraffes
strove to reach the leaves of tall trees.[19] This theory was eventually rejected,
and scientists now believe the giraffe's neck arose through Darwinian natural
selection�that ancestral giraffes with long necks thereby had a competitive feeding
advantage (competing browsers hypothesis)[20] that better enabled them to survive
and reproduce to pass on their genes.[19]

The giraffe genome is around 2.9 billion base pairs in length compared to the 3.3
billion base pairs of the okapi. Of the proteins in giraffe and okapi genes, 19.4%
are identical. The two species are equally distantly related to cattle, suggesting
the giraffe's unique characteristics are not because of faster evolution. The
divergence of giraffe and okapi lineages dates to around 11.5 mya. A small group of
regulatory genes in the giraffe appear to be responsible for the animal's stature
and associated circulatory adaptations.[21]

Species and subspecies

"Approximate geographic ranges, fur patterns, and phylogenetic relationships

between some giraffe subspecies based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. Colored dots
on the map represent sampling localities. The phylogenetic tree is a maximum-
likelihood phylogram based on samples from 266 giraffes. Asterisks along branches
correspond to node values of more than 90% bootstrap support. Stars at branch tips
identify paraphyletic haplotypes found in Maasai and reticulated giraffes".[22]
The IUCN currently recognises only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies.[23]
[24] In 2001, a two-species taxonomy was proposed.[25] A 2007 study on the genetics
of Giraffa, suggested they were six species: the West African, Rothschild's,
reticulated, Masai, Angolan, and South African giraffe.[22] The study deduced from
genetic differences in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that giraffes from
these populations are reproductively isolated and rarely interbreed, though no
natural obstacles block their mutual access. This includes adjacent populations of
Rothschild's, reticulated, and Masai giraffes. The Masai giraffe was also suggested
to consist of possibly two species separated by the Rift Valley.[22]

Reticulated and Masai giraffes have the highest mtDNA diversity, which is
consistent with giraffes originating in eastern Africa. Populations further north
are more closely related to the former, while those to the south are more related
to the latter. Giraffes appear to select mates of the same coat type, which are
imprinted on them as calves.[22] The implications of these findings for the
conservation of giraffes were summarised by David Brown, lead author of the study,
who told BBC News: "Lumping all giraffes into one species obscures the reality that
some kinds of giraffe are on the brink. Some of these populations number only a few
hundred individuals and need immediate protection."[26]

A 2011 study using detailed analyses of the morphology of giraffes, and application
of the phylogenetic species concept, described eight species of living giraffes.
[27] The eight species are: G. angolensis, G.antiquorum, G. camelopardalis, G.
giraffa, G. peralta, G. reticulata, G. thornicrofti, and G. tippelskirchi.

A 2016 study also concluded that living giraffes consist of multiple species.[28]
The researchers suggested the existence of four species, which have not exchanged
genetic information between each other for 1 million to 2 million years. Those four
species are the northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), southern giraffe (G.
giraffa), reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata), and Masai giraffe (G.
tippelskirchi).[28] Since then, a response to this publication has been published,
highlighting seven problems in data interpretation, and concludes "the conclusions
should not be accepted unconditionally".[29]

There are an estimated 90,000 individuals of Giraffa in the wild, with 1,144
currently in captivity.[28][30]

There are also seven extinct species of giraffe, listed as the following:

�Giraffa gracilis
�Giraffa jumae
�Giraffa priscilla
�Giraffa punjabiensis
�Giraffa pygmaea
�Giraffa sivalensis
�Giraffa stillei
G. attica, also extinct, was formerly considered part of Giraffa but was
reclassified as Bohlinia attica in 1929.

Species and subspecies of giraffe

One species taxonomy[24][23] Four species taxonomy[28] Eight species
taxonomy[27] Description Image
Giraffe (G. camelopardalis)[24][23] Northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis)
Kordofan giraffe (G. antiquorum)[31] The Kordofan giraffe (G. c.
antiquorum) has a distribution which includes southern Chad, the Central African
Republic, northern Cameroon, and north-eastern DR Congo.[24] Populations in
Cameroon were formerly included in G. c. peralta, but this was incorrect.[32]
Compared to the Nubian giraffe, this subspecies has smaller and more irregular
spotting patterns. Its spots may be found below the hocks and the insides of the
legs. A median lump is present in males.[33]:51�52 Some 2,000 are believed to
remain in the wild.[24] Considerable confusion has existed over the status of this
species and G. c. peralta in zoos. In 2007, all alleged G. c. peralta in European
zoos were shown to be, in fact, G. c. antiquorum.[32] With this correction, about
65 are kept in zoos.[30] The formerly recognised subspecies G. c. congoesis is now
considered part of Kordofan species. Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum
(Vincennes Zoo) 2.jpg
Nubian giraffe including Rothschild's giraffe (G. camelopardalis)[23] also known as
Baringo giraffe or Ugandan giraffe The Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis), is
found in eastern South Sudan and south-western Ethiopia, in addition to Kenya and
Uganda.[24] It has sharply defined chestnut-coloured spots surrounded by mostly
white lines, while undersides lack spotting.[34] The median lump is particularly
developed in the male.[33]:51 Around 2,150 are thought to remain in the wild, with
another 1,500 individuals belonging to the Rothschild ecotype.[24] With the
addition of Rothschild's giraffe to the Nubian subspecies, the Nubian giraffe is
very common in captivity, although the original phenotype is rare- a group is kept
at Al Ain Zoo in the United Arab Emirates.[35] In 2003, this group numbered 14.[36]
The Rothschild's giraffe (G. c. rothschildi) may be an ecotype of G.
camelopardalis. Its range includes parts of Uganda and Kenya.[24] Its presence in
South Sudan is uncertain.[37] This giraffe has large dark patches that usually have
complete margins, but may also have sharp edges. The dark spots may also have paler
radiating lines or streaks within them. Spotting does not often reach below the
hocks and almost never to the hooves. This ecotype may also develop five "horns".
[33]:53 Around 1,500 individuals believed to remain in the wild,[24] and more than
450 are kept in zoos.[30] According to genetic analysis circa September 2016, it is
conspecific with the Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis).[28]

Al Ain Zoo Giraffe.JPG

West African giraffe (G. peralta),[38][39] also known as Niger giraffe or Nigerian
giraffe The West African giraffe (G. c. peralta) is endemic to south-western
Niger.[24] This animal has a lighter pelage than other subspecies,[40]:322 with red
lobe-shaped blotches that reach below the hocks. The ossicones are more erect than
in other subspecies and males have well-developed median lumps.[33]:52�53 It is the
most endangered subspecies within Giraffa, with 400 individuals remaining in the
wild.[24] Giraffes in Cameroon were formerly believed to belong to this species,
but are actually G. c. antiquorum.[32] This error resulted in some confusion over
its status in zoos, but in 2007, it was established that all "G. c. peralta" kept
in European zoos actually are G. c. antiquorum. The same 2007 study found that The
West African giraffe was more closely related to the Rothchild's giraffe than the
Kordofan and its ancestor may have migrated from eastern to northern Africa and
then to its current range with the development of the Sahara Desert. At its
largest, Lake Chad may have acted as a barrier between West African and Kordofan
giraffes during the Holocene (before 5000 BC).[32] Giraffe koure niger 2006.jpg
Reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata),[41] also known as Somali giraffe The
reticulated giraffe (G. c. reticulata) is native to north-eastern Kenya, southern
Ethiopia, and Somalia.[24] Its distinctive coat pattern consists of sharp-edged,
reddish brown polygonal patches divided by a network of thin white lines. Spots may
or may not extend below the hocks, and a median lump is present in males.[33]:53 An
estimated 8,660 individuals remain in the wild,[24] and based on International
Species Information System records, more than 450 are kept in zoos.[30] Two
Giraffes.PNG
Southern giraffe (G. giraffa) Angolan giraffe (G. angolensis), also known as
Namibian giraffe The Angolan giraffe (G. c. angolensis) is found in northern
Namibia, south-western Zambia, Botswana, and western Zimbabwe.[24] A 2009 genetic
study on this subspecies suggested the northern Namib Desert and Etosha National
Park populations form a separate subspecies.[42] This species has large brown
blotches with edges that are either somewhat notched or have angular extensions.
The spotting pattern extends throughout the legs but not the upper part of the
face. The neck and rump patches tend to be fairly small. The species also has a
white ear patch.[33]:51 An estimated 13,000 animals are estimated to remain in the
wild;[24] and about 20 are kept in zoos.[30] Giraffa camelopardalis -Zambia-
8.jpg
South African giraffe (G. giraffa)[43] also known as Cape giraffe The South
African giraffe (G. c. giraffa) is found in northern South Africa, southern
Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, and south-western Mozambique.[24] It has dark,
somewhat rounded patches "with some fine projections" on a tawny background colour.
The spots extend down the legs and get smaller. The median lump of males is less
developed.[33]:52 A maximum of 31,500 are estimated to remain in the wild,[24] and
around 45 are kept in zoos.[30] Giraffe standing.jpg
Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi) Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi),[44] also
known as Kilimanjaro giraffe The Masai giraffe (G. c. tippelskirchi) can be found
in central and southern Kenya and in Tanzania.[24] It has distinctive, irregular,
jagged, star-like blotches which extend to the hooves. A median lump is usually
present in males.[33]:54[45] A total of 32,550 are thought to remain in the wild,
[24] and about 100 are kept in zoos.[30] GiraffaCamelopardalisTippelskirchi-
Masaai-Mara.JPG
Thornicroft's giraffe("G. thornicrofti", after Harry Scott Thornicroft),[46] also
known as Luangwa giraffe, or Rhodesian giraffe The Thornicroft's giraffe (G. c.
thornicrofti) is restricted to the Luangwa Valley in eastern Zambia.[24] The
patches are notched and somewhat star-shaped, and may or may not extend across the
legs. The median lump of males is underdeveloped.[33]:54 No more than 550 remain in
the wild,[24] with none kept in zoos.[30] Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti.jpg
Appearance and anatomy
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Giraffa camelopardalis anatomy.

Closeup of the head of a giraffe at the Melbourne Zoo

Giraffe skeleton on display at the Museum of Osteology, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Right hind leg of a Masai giraffe at San Diego Zoo

Fully grown giraffes stand 4.3�5.7 m (14.1�18.7 ft) tall, with males taller than
females.[47][48][49] The tallest recorded male was 5.88 m (19.3 ft) and the tallest
recorded female was 5.17 m (17.0 ft) tall.[47][50] The average weight is 1,192 kg
(2,628 lb) for an adult male and 828 kg (1,825 lb) for an adult female[51] with
maximum weights of 1,930 kg (4,250 lb) and 1,180 kg (2,600 lb) having been recorded
for males and females, respectively.[48][49] Despite its long neck and legs, the
giraffe's body is relatively short.[52]:66 Located at both sides of the head, the
giraffe's large, bulging eyes give it good all-round vision from its great height.
[53]:25 Giraffes see in colour[53]:26 and their senses of hearing and smell are
also sharp.[19] The animal can close its muscular nostrils to protect against
sandstorms and ants.[53]:27

The giraffe's prehensile tongue is about 45 cm (18 in) long.[48][49] It is

purplish-black in colour, perhaps to protect against sunburn, and is useful for
grasping foliage, as well as for grooming and cleaning the animal's nose.[53]:27
The upper lip of the giraffe is also prehensile and useful when foraging and is
covered in hair to protect against thorns. The tongue, and inside of the mouth are
covered in papillae.[7]

File:Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata-atTobuZoo-2012.ogv

(video) A pair of giraffes at Tobu Zoo, in Saitama, Japan
The coat has dark blotches or patches (which can be orange, chestnut, brown, or
nearly black in colour[19]) separated by light hair (usually white or cream in
colour[19]). Male giraffes become darker as they age.[45] The coat pattern has been
claimed to serve as camouflage in the light and shade patterns of savannah
woodlands.[46] While adult giraffes standing among trees and bushes are hard to see
at even a few metres' distance, they actively move into th