Giraffe — size comparison

The northern giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis, is an African herbivore with an exceptionally long neck, long legs and a patterned coat. Under the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s classification, it is one of four giraffe species. Its populations are scattered across parts of Africa, and coat patterns vary between populations and individuals.

It inhabits savannas, open woodland and landscapes where trees grow among grasslands. Leaves and young shoots form most of its diet, supplemented by flowers and fruit. A grasping tongue helps select food among thorny branches. As a ruminant, it chews previously swallowed plant material again.

Giraffes form loose groups with changing membership. Their movements depend partly on the availability of food trees. Calves initially depend on their mothers for milk and care. Their height allows them to browse vegetation beyond the reach of many smaller herbivores.

Pokazany mniejszy dorosły samiec ma około 465 cm od podłoża do czubka ossikonów. Wysokość w barku wynika z proporcji ilustracji; oba ujęcia zachowują tę samą skalę. Są to różne przykładowe osobniki, nie średnie ani maksima gatunków. Zakresy wielkości gatunków nakładają się.

Measurement sources

• Zakres wysokości barku — plan ochrony żyraf
• Średnia wysokość dorosłych samców — Giraffe Conservation Foundation
• Status ochrony — IUCN
• Wzór umaszczenia — Giraffe Conservation Foundation