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Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

THE HERBIVORES AND OMNIVORES

Giraffe

In appearance, giraffe are probably one of the most unusual of all Africa's mammals. Their excessively long legs and neck allow them to feed on leaves and seed-pods of trees at a level where they have no competitors amongst the other major herbivores.

Their patchwork body-patterns vary slightly though individual colour differences may sometimes be very obvious, some having unusually dark body patches whilst others are very light. The differences do not indicate different species, but merely represent the normal variation found in every animal species.

Giraffe are susceptible to attack by lion, and many are killed each year. The great cats jump onto the back of a fleeing giraffe, grab a firm hold and bite into the neck. These giants, however, are not an easy prey as a kick from a distraught giraffe can kill or severely injure any careless predator.

Nearly 5 000 giraffe are to be found in the area, generally in small groups of about five to ten. They are not common in the northern Mopane section, but are frequently seen in the central and southern areas - particularly in the acacia savannahs.

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