Giraffe

The giraffe is the tallest living land animal, easily recognized by its very long neck, long legs, and spotted coat. Its neck can measure more than two meters, but it has the same number of neck bones as most mammals: seven vertebrae.

This unusual body shape helps the giraffe reach leaves high in trees, especially from acacias, which are an important part of its diet. Its long tongue, which can measure around 45 to 50 centimeters, allows it to grasp leaves while avoiding sharp thorns.

Despite its size, the giraffe can move quickly when needed and is well adapted to life in open savanna areas. Giraffes usually spend much of their day feeding and resting, with their activity spread between daytime and nighttime. They live mainly in Africa and often move through areas where food availability changes with the seasons.

Females usually give birth to a single calf after a pregnancy of about 15 months. Young giraffes can stand and walk shortly after birth, which helps them follow the herd and avoid predators. Although giraffes are protected in many places, some populations face threats from habitat loss and human activities.