It belongs to the order Artiodactyla, phylum Chordata, and family Giraffidae.
It is considered one of the species of mammals.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
The west african giraffe facts
It is known for being one of the tallest wild animals, famous for its long neck and legs, as well as the head protrusions that resemble horns.
It is the tallest animal around the world.
It is also extremely fast, with horses unable to catch up with it.
However, it cannot sustain running for long periods due to its small lungs.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the West African giraffe as an endangered species.
There are certainly many features that make the external appearance of the West African giraffe unique and wonderful.
Despite the enormous size of the West African giraffe, these animals can run at high speeds when needed.
When fleeing from predators, they can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour for a short period.
The senses of hearing, smell, and vision are all excellent for West African giraffes.
They can see distant predators and smell them.
West African giraffes are social animals, forming a significant part of their lives from birth until death.
West African giraffes use snoring and moaning to interact with each other, and they make loud noises to warn of imminent danger.
They are very affectionate towards each other and can be seen rubbing their heads.
Male West African giraffes fight for leadership roles and mating rights.
Other herbivorous animals are often close to giraffes because they see them as a safe place, given their tall stature.
The West African giraffe specification
African giraffe height: The length of the West African giraffe ranges between 16 and 19 feet.
The weight: Its weight can reach up to 2800 pounds. Males weigh more than females when fully grown. However, it is still difficult to distinguish between them.
The head: The heads of male West African giraffes are very thick. They are bald, and can be 5 to 10 inches long, while females have smaller ones.
Color: The body of the West African giraffe has various spots in different shapes and sizes. Its color is light brown, and the skin color is creamy.
The face: The face of the West African giraffe has a forehead with a few dark spots, making it easily recognizable.
Legs: The West African giraffe moves its legs on the same side of the body at the same time. It moves in a similar fashion as well.
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West African giraffe habitat
The West African giraffe lives in forests and open grasslands on the continent. They also inhabit a variety of habitats, including shrublands, savannas, and dense forest areas. As long as the West African giraffe can find food and water, any outdoor location can become a temporary home for them.
The West African giraffe can live in hot climates where dry grasslands and trees like acacias are widespread. Depending on the season, the Nigerian savanna may suffer from food and water shortages due to drought.
What is the West African giraffe diet
These types of giraffes eat large amounts of plants.
They are herbivorous animals and constantly move to search for food.
They feed on tree tops that other animals cannot reach, but they do not deplete a specific area of all food before moving on, allowing plants to regrow. They have the ability to return to the same place in the future to eat again.
The West African giraffe feeds on several types of leaves and buds, but their favorite food is the leaves of the acacia tree.
They are selective about the plants they eat and only take trees and shrubs they like.
They take their time chewing and swallowing slowly.
The West African giraffe can feed on the leaves of thorny trees that most other animals avoid, thanks to the toughness of their tongues, throats, and saliva.
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Reproduction stages of the West African giraffe
Although West African giraffes are ready to mate at around five years old, most are at least seven years old before doing so.
For males, this may happen later as they need to fight with others to earn mating rights.
The male and female West African giraffes engage in a ritual called necking.
They swing their necks at each other until one backs off, and the remaining one is the one who can earn mating rights.
The gestation period for a West African giraffe is 15 months, with single births always occurring.
The calves are approximately 6 feet tall and weigh around 150 pounds, and they can walk after two hours of being born.
The females in the herd work as a unified team and care for the offspring.
They create nurseries for them so that adult females can take turns feeding.
The young consume their mothers’ milk for approximately the first year of their lives. During the latter part of that time, they will start eating from shrubs and small trees they can reach.
FAQs about the West African giraffe
?What is the behavior of the West African giraffe
We know little about its behaviour, as it exists in groups that differ from one another in size and composition.
What are some interesting facts about the West African giraffe?
The West African giraffe can feed on the leaves of thorny trees that most other animals avoid, thanks to the toughness of their tongues, throats, and saliva.
How many West African giraffes are left in the world?
With only 600 West African giraffes left in the world, we at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation are proud to be part of this conservation success story.!
Why are West African giraffes endangered?
They face threats due to habitat loss caused by human population expansion and urban development. The growth of agriculture, mining, and other extractive industries is encroaching on giraffe habitats, converting their natural environments for human use.
Are West African Giraffes herbivores?
Yes, giraffes are herbivores, they only eat plants.
How many West African giraffes are left?
There are currently about 600 giraffes.
How tall is an African giraffe?
Female tall are up to 14 feet, while males tall are up to 18 feet.
What is the west African giraffe life span?
West African giraffe life span is up to 26 years.
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