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A youngster feeding... (84)
gerhardt
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1976 W: 259 N: 4103]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (11585) | Giraffe cow and calve
Giraffa camelopardalus
Giraffe are gregarious (organisms that live in groups), although when together they don't behave like members of the same herd. The only time they are seen in close association is when they are feeding from the same tree. They group loosely and a herd of a dozen feeding giraffe may be spread over an area of a 1 – 2 Km or more. They have large overlapping home ranges, and each collection of individuals has no leader and shows little in the way of co-ordinated movement. This form of sociality is termed a temporary association.
Despite this giraffe females are seldom seen alone, and are usually in sight of other females. Males tend to associate in loose bachelor herds, beginning at puberty at three years. As they mature they become increasingly solitary, dividing their time between feeding and monitoring the reproductive status of the females in their core range. However, male giraffes in herds or alone frequently mingle with females and young. Consequently giraffe herds may contain any combination of sexes, ages and numbers at any time, and the composition will almost certainly change within hours. Variability is basically the only rule. Males establish some form of dominance over each other, and dominance carries with it the right to mate. This is established by a form of fighting. Here the males stand shoulder to shoulder, or head to tail, and aim hefty blows at one another with their heads. This usually results in a series of clashing of their necks. Injuries are few, but a few giraffe necks have been broken. There are several records of giraffe with distinct neck kinks, probably due to a previous broken vertebra.
Once a male finds a female in oestrus (receptive to mating), he follows her around and chases off all other males. After a gestation of 457 days or little over 15 months a single calf is born, which may weigh up to 60 kg [130lbs.]. Giraffes give birth standing up, and the calf falls almost two metres [6 ft], snapping the umbilical cord in the process. They stand nearly two metres [6.6 ft] tall, which is necessary for them to be able to reach their mothers udder. Mother and calf stay together alone for a few days, and then all new calves in the area are brought together. One or two adults supervise this nursery herd while the others go off to feed. They suckle their young twice a day and stay with them at night. They are weaned at 18 months. Males are fully grown at seven and females at five years old. |
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