Mammal profile

Giraffe

Giraffa giraffa

Giraffes are tall browsing mammals that feed on leaves beyond the reach of many other herbivores. Their height also gives them a wide view across open woodland and savanna.

Giraffe in its natural environment
Photo: DoctorJoeE. CC BY-SA 3.0.
HabitatSavanna and open woodland
DietHerbivore
RangeSouthern Africa
Signature traithigh-canopy browser

Adaptations

A long, muscular tongue helps strip leaves from thorny branches. A powerful heart and specialized blood vessels help maintain circulation between the chest and head across the animal's great height.

Behavior and daily life

Giraffes are tall browsing mammals that feed on leaves beyond the reach of many other herbivores. Their height also gives them a wide view across open woodland and savanna.

Conservation

Current profile labelSee current reference

Conservation conditions vary across the species range. Follow the linked background reference for the latest assessment and regional guidance.

A giraffe has seven neck vertebrae, the same number found in most other mammals.

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