Giraffes are a fascinating and recognizable species, known for their long necks and spotted fur patterns. However, beyond their appearance, there are many surprising facts about these majestic creatures. For example, giraffes have long tongues that can reach up to 18 inches, and they have developed an unusually high blood pressure to allow blood to be pumped all the way up to their brains. Contrary to popular belief, giraffes are social animals that live in groups, and they can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances. Despite their long necks, giraffes only have seven neck vertebrae, just like humans, and they are currently listed as a vulnerable species due to declining populations.
10 Surprising Facts About Giraffes You Need to Know
Giraffes are one of the most recognizable animals in the world with their long necks and spotted fur patterns. However, there is more to these majestic creatures than just their appearance. Here are 10 surprising facts about giraffes you need to know:
1. Giraffes have long tongues
Giraffes have tongues that can reach up to 18 inches long! This makes them the perfect tool for plucking leaves off trees and around branches that are hard to reach. Their tongues are also prehensile, which means they can wrap around objects to grip and pull them.
2. Giraffes have unusually high blood pressure
In order to pump blood all the way up their long necks to their brains, giraffes have developed an unusually high blood pressure. Their blood pressure can be two to three times stronger than that of humans. However, their bodies have also developed special valves and blood vessels to handle this high pressure.
3. Giraffes are social animals
Contrary to popular belief, giraffes are not solitary creatures. They actually live in groups called “towers” or “journeys”. These groups can range in size from just a few individuals to more than 20. Within these groups, giraffes establish a hierarchy and communicate with one another through a variety of sounds and body movements.
4. Giraffes don’t need much sleep
Giraffes may be one of the few animals that can go without sleep for days at a time. They typically only sleep for about 20 minutes a day, usually in short naps that last just a few minutes each. This is likely because they are vulnerable to predators while lying down.
5. Giraffes can run very fast
Despite their tall and lanky appearance, giraffes are actually incredibly fast runners! They can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances, making them one of the fastest land animals in the world.
6. Giraffes don’t have vocal cords
Unlike many other animals, giraffes don’t have vocal cords. Instead, they communicate through a variety of sounds including grunts, moans, hisses, and whistles. They also use a technique called “necking” where they bash their necks into each other, which is a way of establishing dominance or trying to win over a mate.
7. Giraffes have a unique coat pattern
Every giraffe has a unique coat pattern, just like human fingerprints. The patterns are thought to provide camouflage and help giraffes blend in with their surroundings. The pattern is also used to tell giraffes apart from one another, which is important for social interactions within their tower.
8. Giraffes only have seven neck vertebrae, like humans
Despite their long necks, giraffes only have seven neck vertebrae, just like humans. However, each vertebrae is much larger than a human’s, which allows them to support the weight of their head and neck.
9. Giraffes can eat thorny plants without getting hurt
Giraffes have tough lips and tongues that can handle the thorns on their favorite foods, such as acacia trees. Their saliva also contains a special enzyme that helps to break down the thorns and protect their mouths.
10. Giraffes are endangered
Giraffes are currently listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their populations have declined by 40% in the past 30 years, with fewer than 100,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Habitat loss, poaching, and climate change are all contributing factors to their decline.
Next time you see a giraffe at the zoo or on television, remember these surprising and fascinating facts about these incredible creatures!