Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are the tallest land animals on Earth, with adults reaching heights of up to 18 feet. Native to the savannas and open woodlands of Africa, giraffes are instantly recognizable by their long necks, long legs, and distinctive coat patterns of irregular patches that help them camouflage in their natural environment. Each giraffe's pattern is unique, much like a human fingerprint.
Giraffes primarily feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits from tall trees, particularly acacias, using their long, prehensile tongues, which can extend up to 18 inches. Despite their height, giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as most other mammals—just seven—although their vertebrae are much longer. Their long legs allow them to cover great distances at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, and their height gives them a broad field of vision to spot predators from afar.
Giraffes live in loose social groups called towers and communicate through infrasonic sounds, which are below the range of human hearing. While they appear gentle, giraffes can defend themselves with powerful kicks that can deter even large predators like lions. These unique herbivores play a vital role in their ecosystems by aiding seed dispersal and influencing tree growth.
