The beauty of giraffes

It’s hard not to look at these animals without thinking that they definitely stand out from the species known to man. Comments that the appearance of a unicorn is more likely to exist than that of giraffes are not exaggerated. Giraffes are amazing creatures that hide many unusual things.

Let’s start with basics: giraffes are so tall. It is not surprising they are the tallest mammals in the earth. We, humans, cannot even have the same height as their legs, whose size is approximately six feet. However, long legs are not the only thing that make giraffes a great object of interest. It all comes down to that neck that seems unbelievable. So why is it so long?

The first thought that comes to mind is obviously simple: food. The long neck allows giraffes to get food inaccessible to other creatures. This idea has been around since 1809. Its creator, Jean Baptiste, stated that this neck evolved as a result of a constant struggle for nourishment. And this, for an ordinary person, seems normal and natural: giraffes have long necks to be able to get food. However, this is not the only cause.

Some scientists believe that the cause of the giraffe’s long neck is the sexual aspect. Male counterparts fight with each other in order to be able to get a partner. Those with longer necks usually win the fight, which in turn causes them to pass on their genes, including that neck. Another idea is connected to the body temperature.

They help to regulate body temperatures in hot climates. It is happening by increasing the surface area of their bodies, through which internal heat can escape.

Necks itself are so fascinating, but giraffes are more than that. Several of the characteristics of giraffes can be found among humans. Our fingerprints are unique, not single person in the world has the same. Also, giraffes don’t have the same coat pattern. It is difficult for people to drink the amount of water that is needed. And while giraffes are trying to drink the right amount of water, they don’t do it often: only once in a few days. Remember this neck? They cannot reach the ground with it, so first they have to use their legs to splay them or bend on the knees to make it possible to drink water.

What distinguishes humans from giraffes is definitely the approach to standing. Whenever possible, people sit down. Giraffes, on the other hand, love to stand. So much so that even the delivery of subsequent babies is performed standing up. They can be found in this position even while sleeping. And when they are asleep, it does not take long, just a few minutes all day long is enough for them. They love standing so much that the calves need only half an hour after being born to do it on their own.

This uniqueness of these amazing animals causes obvious human influence on their lives. They are still being killed by poachers, who have many reasons to commit this heinous act. Usually, animals are killed, then their parts are sent to countries to be used for jewelry or medicine. Giraffes are mainly killed because of their tails. Their hair is used, among others, in bracelets and sewing. These animals are also killed for the meat and skins and the brain. Some herbalists also believe that giraffe bone marrow can protect people against HIV.

Unfortunately, this causes the number of giraffes to decline drastically. The extinction of this species could have more consequences than is thought. Without them, African habitats could lose a variety of other flora and fauna. Thus, the unusual stature, distinguished size and behavior that may seem strange, make giraffes majestic creatures.

But without these strange but amazing creatures, the natural world would be different. So, we have to take care of their survival.

Anna Marek

Sources: Science Alert: We still don’t know why giraffes have long necks Giraffe Conservation: Fascinating giraffe facts Do Something: 11 facts about giraffes National Geographic: Giraffe IAPF: Giraffes