10 Interesting Facts About Giraffes You Didn't Know
Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world, with heights ranging from 4.8 to 6 meters. They have cute, gentle expressions on their faces, and their fur is very distinctive because of the various shaped spots all over them. Without a doubt, giraffes are very unique creatures. However, not everything can be attributed to their height and size, as they have many other characteristics that make them amazing animals. This time, Alie will bring you: 10 interesting facts about giraffes you didn't know.
1Giraffes rarely sleep
Because of their large size, we think they need a lot of sleep to rest, but that's not the case. They only need a little rest. They need 2 to 3 hours of sleep, each time for 5 to 7 minutes. In the wild, they can even stand up to sleep so that they can run away if they are in danger. If they lie on the ground, their long necks will form an arch.
2Giraffes have very long tongues
Giraffes' tongues are as long as their necks. This length can even reach 50 cm, which allows them to eat their favorite food, golden acacia leaves, without getting pricked by thorns. In addition, the tongue can also be used as a cleaning tool, used to clean their ears, delve into their noses or pull out thorns stuck in their skin.
3Age spots
The spots on a giraffe's skin can indicate their age, especially in males. The darker the markings, the older they are. The color of the fur also indicates the sexual maturity of males.
4Spot patterns are as unique as fingerprints
No two giraffes have the same spot patterns. Just like human fingerprints, these are very unique. This detail can be used to camouflage themselves, regulate temperature and identify each other. The shape of these spots seems to be passed from mother to son, although the reason is not yet clear.
5Giraffes can tolerate thirst well
They can withstand several days without drinking water because when they drink water, they can drink up to 45 liters at a time. This way, they can survive in arid regions for up to three weeks without drinking a drop of water.
6Giraffes are very fast
Giraffes' large size doesn't prevent them from moving quickly. Their speed can reach 50 km/h. But this is only over short distances, as they quickly get tired. When traveling long distances, they can maintain a speed of 10 km/h.
7Gender indicators horns
The 'horns' on a giraffe's head, called ossicone, are made of bone-like cartilage and covered with hair. Its appearance allows us to distinguish their gender. For example, the tip of the female ossicone has a tuft of hair, while the male has it bald in this area.
8Giraffes don't yawn
Because of their mouths, which are full of hair, giraffes are the only mammals that don't yawn. Their upper lip doesn't split like a camel's, and it's longer.
9Prepared cervical veins
With a neck that is 3 meters long, it's easy to imagine that a giraffe bending down to drink water is a dilemma. However, it's not the case, as they have special valve systems in their necks that create a large resistance, preventing blood from dripping suddenly.
10Neck vertebrae are the same as humans
Giraffes' necks are 3 meters long, which makes it easy to think they have a lot of vertebrae. But that's not the case. They have 7 vertebrae, each of which can be up to 28 cm long.
