South African giraffe
| South African giraffe | |
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| A male South African giraffe in South Africa. | |
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| Subspecies: | G. c. giraffa
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| Trinomial name | |
| Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa von Schreber, 1784
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| Range map in tawny-orange (in the south) | |
The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a subspecies of giraffe native to Southern Africa. It ranges from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.
In 2010, it was estimated that a maximum of 12,000 South African giraffes are living in the wild,[1] and around 45 are being kept in captivity.[2]
Descriptions
The South African giraffe has dark, somewhat rounded patches "with some fine projections" on a tawny background colour. The spots extend down the legs and get smaller. The median lump of males is less developed.[3]: 52
Distribution and habitat
The South African giraffe is found in northern South Africa, southern Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, and south-western Mozambique.[1] After local extinctions in various places, the South African giraffes have been reintroduced in many parts of Southern Africa, including in Swaziland. They are common in both in and outside of protected areas.[4]
South African giraffes usually live in savannahs, grasslands and woodlands in which food are available. The giraffes are herbivorous animals. They feed on grass, Acacia shrubs, tree leaves and fruits.
Threats
South African giraffes are not a threatened species, as their population are increasing whilst their northernmost relatives are threatened by poaching and habitat loss.[4] On the other hand, the South African subspecies are usually threatened by predation, as they are occasionally preyed by Transvaal lions especially in Kruger National Park.[5] Giraffe calves can also be preyed by South African cheetahs, African leopards, spotted hyenas and Cape wild dogs.
In captivity
The South African giraffes are not pretty common in captivity. As of 2010, there are around 45 giraffes breeding in zoos.[1]
Gallery
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Three bulls, two are fighting, Kruger Park, South Africa. -
A cow giraffe in Groenkloof Nature Reserve.
References
- ^ a b c "Giraffe – The Facts: Current giraffe status?". Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
- ^ "Giraffa". ISIS. 2010. Retrieved 4 November 2010.
- ^ Seymour, R. (2002) The taxonomic status of the giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis (L. 1758), PH.D Thesis
- ^ a b Template:IUCN2012.2
- ^ Owen-Smith, N.; Mills, M. G. (2008). "Predator-prey size relationships in an African large-mammal food web" (PDF). Journal of Animal Ecology. 77 (1): 173–83. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2656.2007.01314.x. PMID 18177336.
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External links
Media related to South African Giraffes at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa at Wikispecies
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