Giraffes of West Africa Return from the Brink

A Subspecies of the Tallest Land Animal Does the Impossible

Nov 9, 2009

The giraffes of West Africa are one of many subspecies found throughout the continent. What makes these animals special is that they were able to defy the odds.

Facing certain extinction due to hunting, the West African Giraffes are doing the impossible and increasing their numbers in the wild. At one time the recorded numbers were less than fifty animals total. Now this remarkable subspecies has swelled to more than 200 members. While still very low this is a great accomplishment and shows the subspecies moving in the right direction.

Appearance of the Giraffe

Giraffes are the tallest land animal in the world today. Male giraffes can reach a height of eighteen feet measured from the top of their horns. Males can also weigh up to three thousand pounds. Females tend to be a little shorter and lighter in comparison to males.

Along with their exceptional height, giraffes are also known from their distinctive brown patched coats. For the giraffes in West Africa, the subspecies is identified by the large spots that fade to all white down the animal's legs. Both sexes of giraffe have horns but males typically do not have hair on top while horns on females contain hair.

Threats to the Giraffe

Because of the exceptional size of adult giraffes they have few natural predators. Lions do hunt and can kill adult giraffes. The kick of a giraffe can cause a lion serious injury or death so giraffes have some protection against these predators. Crocodiles can also be a threat when the giraffes have lowered their guard for a drink.

Other than these two predators, the only other animal the giraffes need to fear is man. Hunting has caused a great depletion in the number of giraffes throughout Africa. While giraffes can maintain a speed of about thirty miles per hour for a short distance any fall can be deadly for these gentle giants.

Reproductive Cycle of the Giraffe

The gestation period of the Giraffe is about fourteen months. The number of young born is typically one but twins do rarely occur. This demonstrates the amazing feats of the West African Giraffe because of the low birth rates matched with low survival rates in the wild.

Protection for the Giraffe

Increasing fines and jail terms has helped the West African Giraffe in their fight against extinction. With improved protection acts, giraffe has also been removed from many of the local menus.

The West African Giraffe is making a comeback during a time that appeared to be the end of its time roaming the wild. With increased protection and conservation efforts, the giraffe may continue to thrive and the population will grow.

There are still many endangered species in need of help, like the Bluefin tuna. The time is now of the world’s top predator to protect these animals in their time of need.

The copyright of the article Giraffes of West Africa Return from the Brink in Quadrupeds is owned by Christopher Clayton. Permission to republish Giraffes of West Africa Return from the Brink in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.