Discussão:Girafa

Giraffes have a keen sense of smell and hearing and an outstanding sense of sight, which due to their height makes them the most vigilant of the African big-game species. They congregate in loosely organized herds of 12 to 15 members, with individuals often joining and leaving again. Each herd is led by an adult bull and consists of cows, calves, and sexually immature males. The females of the herd are the most alert to danger.

Giraffes gallop with the hind feet reaching in front of the fore feet and the neck swinging widely, giving the appearance of slow motion, although they can actually reach 48 km/hr (30 mph). When walking they pace, moving the two feet of one side forward simultaneously. Due to their great weight, which reaches 1800 kg (4000 lb), they are unable to traverse boggy swamps or riverbeds. On dry, hard land, however, they range widely and are found hundreds of kilometers from water. Unlike many grass-eating herbivores of Africa, giraffes do not migrate during dry seasons, because they get their food and most of their moisture from leaves. They can go for over a month without drinking, and the few times they do drink, they must spread their long forelegs widely to reach the water. For this reason giraffes rarely graze grass. When giraffes do vocalize, they emit moans or low notes. They usually sleep in standing positions. They protect themselves by kicking with their large, heavy hooves. Lions are their chief predators.

During mating season males vie for females by butting with their heavy necks and heads. After about 15 months the cow bears a single calf, 2 m (6 ft) high, which can stand 20 minutes after birth. Calves come to sexual maturity in three or four years. Once heavily hunted for their thick, leathery skins, giraffes are now protected.