Safari in kenya

The Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)

Family: Giraffidae Genus: Giraffa Species: G. camelopardalis Subspecies: G. c. Rothschild

Is among the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild. Rothschild Giraffes have a gestation period of 14 to 16 months. Rothschild Giraffes are easily distinguishable from other subspecies. The most obvious sign is in the colouring of the coat, or pelt. They are also taller than many other subspecies, measuring up to six metres tall (20 ft). They live in small herds, with males and females (and their calves) living separately, only mixing for mating. Males are larger than females and their two 'true' horns are usually bald from sparring. They also tend to be darker in colour than the females, although this is not a guaranteed sexing indicator. A giraffe's heart, which can weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb) and measure about 60 cm (2 ft) long, must generate approximately double the normal blood pressure for an average large mammal to maintain blood flow to the brain. In the upper neck, a complex pressure-regulation system called the rete mirabile prevents excess blood flow to the brain when the giraffe lowers its head to drink. While giraffes are usually found in groups, the composition of these groups is more fluid than in other social ungulates. They are a largely transient species with few strong social bonds and aggregations usually disband every few hours, although calving groups can last weeks to months.

 

The Somali Giraffe, or more commonly known as Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), is a subspecies of giraffe native to Somalia, northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Its coat consists of large, polygonal liver-colored spots outlined by a network of bright white lines. The blocks may sometimes appear deep red and may also cover the legs. Reticulated giraffe are herbivorous, since they eat mostly plants, although giraffe have been seen eating the carcass of an antelope. A giraffe’s favorite snack is the acacia bushes and trees that frequent the African landscape. While these leaves are preferred, a giraffe will munch on many other kinds of vegetation. Giraffe food preferences change according to seasons: in the dry season, they seem to be fine with pine like needles. Giraffe feed by browsing, which typically means they eat continuously throughout the day. A male is able to eat 75 pounds of food in a single day. Giraffe use their sense of smell to locate the leaves they want. They ingest everything on the branch when eating, including insects, bark, and thorns. The giraffe uses its massive tongue (up to eighteen inches long) to scrape off the leaf. Giraffe have very tough lips to guard against scratching. While the acacia tree is their favorite, giraffe have also been known to eat mareola berries and other fruits. The Sentinels of the Savannah, the giraffe stomach has four parts, with food passing through the first and water going directly to the second. The first stomach partially digests the twigs, leaves, and whatever else the giraffe has ingested whole. During the day, when the animal is not feeding, parts of this fermented mixture are brought back up from the stomach in hard lumps. Giraffe chew on these lumps, called cud, throughout the day, helping to further break the food down. Once they are done chewing on the piece of cud, it is sent to the third stomach, and finally the fourth stomach to be digested fully.Giraffe are able to conserve and maintain their body temperature in part because of their shape- their long thin legs allow heat to release quickly.

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