Facts About Reticulated Giraffe
Facts About Reticulated Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata, commonly referred to as the reticulated giraffe, is one of the most endearing and identifiable animals in East Africa. This species of giraffe is famous not only because of its unusual coat pattern, polygonal, liver-coloured spots with a bright white outline, but also because it is a symbol of the Kenyan north, and anyone travelling to Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Laikipia should not miss it. This article is going to discuss some fascinating facts about the reticulated giraffe, where it lives, how it behaves, as well as how it is being conserved and where to find it during an African safari.
Why the Reticulated Giraffe is Special?
The reticulated giraffe is characterised by the unique coating that is not similar to other giraffe subspecies, such as the Masai giraffe or Rothschild’s giraffe. It has net-like markings that are well defined, and therefore, it is arguably the most photogenic of all the giraffe species. These specific markings assist in camouflage in the savanna light and shade, as well as a method of identification between individual giraffes.
The adults of both sexes grow to a maximum of 18 feet, with females being a little smaller at about 16 feet. They have a weight of between 800 and 1,200 kilograms. The reticulated giraffe, like all giraffes, possesses a long neck that has seven elongated vertebrae similar to humans but longer. They can stretch their tongue up to 45 centimetres to get the tender leaves up in the tree.
Habitat and Distribution
The reticulated giraffe is mainly located in northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and in some parts of Somalia. They live in dry savannas, open woodlands and scrublands with acacia trees. The Samburu National Reserve is one of the most excellent locations in Kenya to see the beautiful animals. Reticulated giraffes may also be viewed in the natural habitat in Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves.
They like places that are full of acacia trees, which are their favourite food. Giraffes eat leaves, flowers and fruits, and their long prehensile tongues strip the leaves off thorny branches that other herbivores would not attempt.
Social Structure and Behaviour
The reticulated giraffe is a social animal that is mostly found in loose herds that comprise up to 30 animals. Nevertheless, these herds are not permanent, and often vary in composition. Females who have calves tend to congregate together to protect themselves, whereas adult males can be found either alone or in bachelor herds.
Males assert dominance by a behaviour referred to as necking, where males swing their necks and heads to strike each other with strong blows. The victor becomes entitled to mate with the females. Giraffes are generally docile and will spend most of their time browsing, resting or on the lookout for predators such as lions and hyenas despite their size.
Reticulated Giraffe Conservation Status
Regrettably, the population of the reticulated giraffe has plummeted in the past decades. The key threats to this iconic species are habitat loss, poaching to provide bushmeat, and human-wildlife conflict. It is believed that there are fewer than 16,000 reticulated giraffes left in the wild, and this is a decrease of over 50 per cent since the 90s.
The conservation work that has been done by organisations such as the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and local community conservancies gives hope that this giraffe can survive. Community-based conservation in northern Kenya, particularly in such areas as Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Namunyak Conservancy, has also led to stabilisation in the population of some species due to the inclusion of local communities in the conservation of wildlife and the creation of income through sustainable tourism.
Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Are you aware of the fact that giraffes do not sleep for longer than 30 minutes a day? They tend to fall asleep standing, and only when they feel like they need to sleep do they lie down. When they lie on their sides, they tuck their necks back and put their heads on their hips.
The other interesting fact is that giraffes share the same number of neck bones with human beings; seven, yet each of these neck bones can measure up to 25 centimetres. This makes them have the long neck they are known to have.
The blood pressure of giraffes is so high that it can pump blood as far as the neck to the brain. They have huge hearts weighing up to 11 kilograms and beating approximately 150 times a minute.
Reticulated Giraffes Safari Locations
Northern Kenya is the most suitable place to visit in case you want to view reticulated giraffes in their natural habitat. Samburu National Reserve is one of the best places to see these elegant giants grazing with Grevy zebra, Somali ostriches and Beisa oryx- which are referred to as the so-called Samburu Special Five.
Just south of Samburu, Buffalo Springs National Reserve has equally good opportunities with fewer visitors. Another great area is the Laikipia Plateau, where you can experience a different kind of Kenya safari in community-owned conservancies such as Lewa and Ol Pejeta that are less crowded and with an emphasis on conservation.
Safari Tips
The best time to visit these regions is during the dry season between June to October and between December to March when animals congregate around rivers and water holes. An excellent guide will assist you in finding giraffes and other animals, and you will have excellent photo opportunities at the golden hours of the morning and late afternoon.
Bring neutral-colored clothes, sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, and binoculars to have the best game-viewing experience. Bring a camera, too, and enjoy reticulated giraffes as they are very beautiful and a great subject for a safari photo.
The Problem of the Reticulated Giraffe
In addition to being beautiful, reticulated giraffes are vital ecologically. Their food choices also contribute to the landscape as they eat on the treetops, promoting new growth and providing homes to other animals. They maintain a healthy savanna ecosystem and bring income in the form of tourism to conserve and sustain the local economy.
Through conservation and sustainable tourism, the reticulated giraffe stands a good opportunity of surviving in the wilderness even in future generations. It is an eye-opening experience to spot one in its natural habitat, as it serves as a reminder of how precious and delicate the African wildlife heritage is.
In case you ever fantasised about seeing the majestic reticulated giraffe with your own eyes on your next African trip, you might want to consider planning a safari to the north of Kenya, where you will find stunning scenery, a rich culture, and rare wildlife experiences.
