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A giraffe calf born at Perth Zoo became weak after birth and an indwelling nasogastric tube was placed to allow supplemental feedings. Initial studies for the development of artificial insemination in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) led to the successful production of a live offspring.
The request has been made to define the thermal adaptations of giraffe. The following extends to all subspecies of giraffe. These are adaptations that help giraffe in tropical areas but are a problem in the cold. Many of these adaptations contribute to the peracute mortality captive giraffe.
Individual daytime activity patterns of gerenuks (Litocranius walleri) and giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) varied considerably, being influenced by such factors as the social environment, reproductive status, predators, and weather conditions. In male gerenuks and female giraffes, relative feeding time per day was inversely correlated with ambient temperature at 14.00 hours; the same relationship applied to mean distance moved per hour by female giraffes. Gerenuks commonly lay down during rain; this probably serves to reduce heat loss. Most individual daily activity patterns
Two geographically distinct populations of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) were sampled for this study, the northern Namib Desert and Etosha National Park. Population genetic parameters and relationships within subpopulations were estimated to better understand the genetic architecture of this isolated subspecies. Gene flow between the geographically separated populations can be attributed to recent translocation of giraffe between the two populations. Inbreeding estimates in the six subpopulations studied were low though we found evidence that genetic drift may be affecting the genetic
Social organization and behaviour of giraffes were studied in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, by means of road strip counts and observations of individually known animals. Most groups comprised of one to ten animals, with a maximum of thirty‐five and a mean of 3.8. Group size and composition varied locally to some extent. Single adult males constituted the commonest group type; in groups of two or more animals the sexes were usually mixed. Groups were loose and open; close inter‐individual
In obligate ant–plant mutualisms, the asymmetric engagement of a single plant species with multiple ant species provides the opportunity for partners to vary in their behaviour. Variation in behaviour has implications for the interactions with third-party species such as herbivores. This study assessed the effect of obligate ant mutualists (Crematogaster mimosae, Crematogaster nigriceps and Tetraponera penzigi) inhabiting the African ant-acacia (Acacia drepanolobium) on three mega-herbivore browsers: the Maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi), the reticulated giraffe (Giraffa c. reticulata) and the
The woody vegetation of Lake Nakuru National Park occurs along rivers, lakeshores and flood plains. Four different sites within the Acacia xanthophloea woodlands were selected for the study. Vegetation structure was not significantly different in the four woodlands used for the study, but these sites differed in the relative density of Acacia trees. Regeneration of A. xanthophloea differed in each site, with the highest regeneration rates found in the nonfenced plots where browsing took place.
Controversy cotinues over the haemodynamics of the circulation to and from the head of the giraffe. The recent study by Hargens et al. provides new information explaining the absence of oedema in the legs of the ambulant giraffe. But in sedated, standing giraffes the pressure gradient down the jugular vein is about one-tenth of, and in the opposite direction to, that expected for a standing column of blood. Hargens et al. suggest that compartmentalization of the blood in the vein
An article overviewing giraffe evolution, ecology, reproduction, and population threats. Also discussed briefly the Veterinary Red Line fence and impacts on population movements.
Diet assessment of herbivores provides insight into trophic relationships, the potential for competition, and the influences herbivores may have on an ecosystem (Bookhout 1996). Thus, the determination of their food requirements is imperative prior to the implementation of any management decisions, which must be based on reliable data (Bookhout 1996). Direct observations and fecal analysis are 2 commonly employed techniques for assessing the diet of wild herbivores (Van Aarde and Skinner 1975, Field and Ross 1976, McInnes et al. 1983,