Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

Family

Bovidae, the cow and goat family.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable.

Distribution

Southern Africa, East Africa, and isolated populations in the Sahel.

Habitat

Savannah.

Factoid

Affectionately known as the ‘Watchtowers of the Savannah’ because coexisting species look to the giraffe as indicators of safety.

Giraffe spend much of their day eating leaves, buds and twigs, especially from acacia trees.

Surprisingly, giraffe only need 530 minutes of sleep per day.

Giraffe are threatened by habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching and ecological changes. The Living Desert actively supports conservation education programs in Tanzania. Learn more about our conservation efforts.