Coat Patterns

Check Out That Cool Coat!

Giraffes have very distinct coat patterns. Even though there is only one species of giraffes, each of the nine subspecies has different coat patterns based on where they live. The differences between each species’ coat patterns are determined not only by where they live, but also by what they eat.

            A giraffe’s coat pattern acts as a fingerprint in the fact that each one is unique. It distinguishes them from other giraffes in the herd. The differences in coat pattern help young giraffes determine who their mothers are in a large herd because no two giraffes have identical coat patterns.

            A giraffe’s basic coat pattern consists of dark blotches, which are usually brown, chestnut, black, or orange in color. Light hairs that are usually white or cream in color separate these blotches to give the giraffe a distinct coat. Their coat pattern is used as camouflage in their environment, which is why their coat pattern is dependent on where they live. As a giraffe gets older, the color of his or her coat usually darkens, but the pattern stays the same. This is especially true for male giraffes.  

Here is an example of three subspecies of giraffes that all live in Kenya.  They each display unique coat patterns even though they live in similar environments.

The reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) is distinguished by defined bright patches, which are usually orange or brown in color.  Sharp white or cream lines separate these patches.

The maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) are the darkest subspecies of the giraffes.  Their coat is recognizable by its dark brown jagged edges with a cream or light brown color backgroud.

The Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) is the most rare of the giraffe subspecies.  Its coat is similar to the maasai giraffe but it is much lighter in appearance.  It is known for the lack of dark color pattern below their knees

Fun fact of the week: Although this rarely occurs, some giraffes are born so dark or light in color that their spots are barely visible! 

Conservation Status

A Tall Order: The Conservation of Giraffes

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened animals, which evaluates species’ risks of extinction, classifies giraffes as low risk “conservation dependent.” In other words, special conservation efforts are needed for the giraffe species to live on into the future. Though giraffes are not currently endangered, their numbers have declined over the years, with several subspecies becoming increasingly rare. For example there are only 400 Rothschild giraffes, and 445 Uganda giraffes remaining in the wild today! 

Uganda giraffe and newborn  

Sadly, big time hunters travel far distances and pay thousands of dollars to experience hunting a giraffe, a practice known as trophy hunting. In some African countries, this controversial, but legal practice actually helps the community financially and provides food for the people. Although poaching negatively affects the giraffe population, habitat loss and destruction from human construction is the biggest danger to giraffes and other animals in Africa. As the human population grows, giraffe territory is taken over, resulting in giraffe extinction in numerous countries. Luckily, the majority of humans admire this peaceful animal and are awed by their appearance, which means giraffes are never killed by humans out of fear. Additionally, farmers typically do not mind giraffes because they do not eat their crops or compete with their cattle for food.

The future livelihood of this unique animal rests in conservation efforts of giraffe habitats in the wild and on private land. Various organizations, like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, have made it their missions to work against giraffe extinction in the future.

Interesting fact of the week: Sadly, the Nigerian giraffe has actually become extinct in Nigeria! These giraffes can only be found in Chad. 

Works Cited

"Conservation Status." Born Free: Keep Wildlife in the Wild. Born Free Foundation. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. 

                      <http://www.bornfree.org.uk/ animals/giraffe/conservation/>.

"Giraffe - The Facts." GCF Home. Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. <http://www.giraffeconservation.org/giraffe_facts.phppgid=51>.

"Giraffe." National Zoo. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. <http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/AfricanSavanna/fact-giraffe.cfm>.

"Mammals: Giraffe." San Diego Zoo's Animal Bytes: Giraffe. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. <http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-giraffe.html>.

Predatory Behavior

Giraffes Kick Butt!

Adult giraffes are very large animals, which makes them basically invulnerable to predators. Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas will prey on calves when they are still young and weak.  This means the mother giraffes must protect their young until they are strong enough to avoid predators on their own.  Scientist have found that only a quarter of calves survive within a year of being born because they are so weak and defenseless against predators.

One of the only times giraffes are vulnerable to predators is when they are drinking water from a lake or stream.  To drink from something that low to the ground giraffes must spread their legs extremely far apart, which doesn’t allow them to run from, or kick a predator that approaches them. Lions are the main predators of giraffes because they are able to jump on them when they are bent over in this vulnerable position. This is why giraffes must travel in herds to drink from a water source.  Half of the herd will drink while the other half protects them from potential predators.  If predators do approach the herd, giraffes use their powerful legs to kick.  Their kicks are so strong that they can kill a lion instantly if they kick them in the right spot. Also, giraffes have excellent eyesight that allows them to see a predator approaching from a far distance.  If they do see a predator, they are able to run away.  If a predator is able to catch a giraffe, it is very difficult for them to tear the giraffe’s tough, thick skin.

Because giraffes usually inhabit areas of open savannas, they are better able to see an approaching predator as compared to an area, such as a dense forest, where it is hard to see predators that could potentially be hiding and waiting to attack.

Interesting Fact of the Week: The most serious danger to giraffes existence are humans!  Many people hunt them for their skins, even though it is illegal.

Clara. "Giraffe Predators." Document Moved. Web. 06 Mar. 2012. <http://www.asij.ac.jp/elementary/projects/2-eb/zoo/clarak.htm>.

"Giraffe Fact Sheet - National Zoo| FONZ." Welcome to the National Zoo| FONZ Website. 25 Jan. 2010. Web. 06 Mar. 2012. <http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AfricanSavanna/fact-giraffe.cfm>.

"Giraffes." KIDCYBER. Jan. 2012. Web. 06 Mar. 2012. <http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/giraffe.htm>.