Reticulatedgiraffe - Blog Posts
We are moving to a very charismatic family: The giraffes. I had a little trouble trying to identify the species and subspecies of this family because has been changing throughout the years. It was thought to be one single species with nine subspecies. Today, different taxonomic divisions are recognized but probably the most accepted are four species, eight subspecies, and one ecotype (which I will explain in the future) So let's begin!
Reticulated Giraffe It is a single species with no subspecies. Along with the Rothschild's giraffe, those two are the most common giraffes in zoos and are probably the ones you have seen.
Its coat might be the easiest to recognize because its patches are very distinctive from other giraffes (sharp-edged, reddish-brown polygonal patches divided by a network of thin white lines).
Its particular shape has evolved in order to be able to eat the tallest branches of the trees avoiding all kinds of competence. Once an adult, the chances of being hunted by predators diminishes dramatically, making it a very successful animal.
It is facing a dramatical decrease in population due is the target for hunting for different purposes. Not just for trophy hunting but also various body parts are used for different things: Meat for food, the hairs of the tail served as bracelets, necklaces, threads, etc. Shields, sandals, and drums were made using the skin, and the strings of musical instruments were from the tendons, etc. Many organizations are taking care of this animal in Africa and all over the world. It will be a total shame to lose an animal like this one. Store Instagram ______________________________________________ References: Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals giraffe conservation maryland zoo Reticulated Giraffe _______________________________________________
Thank you guys for your support. I'm gonna mix things up a little in order not to bore you with one whole family of mammals at once. So next week, a whole new species that I think you gonna like.
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