We have seen them on television and also at the zoo. They are those animals with a really long body and neck and very tall. That is why they are really curious and we stop today at giraffes that have some characteristics different from other animals and surprise when we see them up close.
Giraffes are artiodactyl mammals that come from the Giraffidae family and are native to Africa.
The highest
One of the peculiarities that define the giraffe is that it is the highest terrestrial species, since it can reach almost 6 meters in height. They usually weigh from 750 to 1,600 kilograms.
Giraffes hardly sleep
It is one of his many curiosities. Apparently these animals do not sleep. They can do it for a certain time during the day, this is 1 hour but they can also do it for only 10 minutes. And they usually sleep standing up.
They are great athletes
These mammals are good athletes, since they can reach a speed of up to 20 km / hour. What’s more, in a single stride they can advance up to 4 m. Almost nothing!
Where they live
As we have indicated, these are mammals originating in Africa, although there are several countries on this continent where they are no longer found.
Have you noticed their spots, what are they for?
Surely if you have seen a giraffe, you will have noticed its skin, specifically its spots. On the one hand, they serve as camouflage, but they also have a system by which they can maintain the body’s body temperature.
They have it difficult to drink water
Being so tall, their physical build makes it difficult for them to drink water. What they do is a somewhat complicated maneuver with their body , that is, they extend their legs from side to side, then stretch their neck downwards and at the same time they are in a somewhat vulnerable position to any attack from other animals. This is why they have it so difficult when it comes to doing one of the most daily and necessary actions for everyone.
Its mouth
They are tall but their mouth is also very large. For example, the tongue of giraffes measures approximately 50 cm, and also has dark tones that are really curious. It is said that the dark color of the tongue of these animals protects them from being burned from the sun.
The tongue is used for many things, for example cleaning the face, nose and ears, being so long.
