Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi
Timuya Maasai (Swahili)

Conservation status

Vulnerable. The species is at risk from habitat loss due to agriculture, urban development and road transport, as well as hunting.

Habitat

Savannahs, steppes

Biology

Why do giraffes have such long necks? The traditional explanation is that long necks evolved so that the animals could reach high foliage. But sexual selection and reproduction may also have played a role: bulls compete for cows and territory by means of fierce headbutting combat — and the more elongated the neck, the more effective it is as a weapon.