The giraffe belongs to the Girrafidae family which also includes the okapi; the scientific name of the species is Giraffa Camelopardalis. It belongs to the order Artiodactyla which includes even-toed mammals known as ungulates. The giraffe is distantly related to deer and cattle but on account of its distinct characteristics is placed in a separate family.
The giraffe is the tallest land animal and can grow to a height of 5.5 meters (18 ft) and weigh 3000 pounds (1360 kg). Its habitat is the Sub Saharan region extending from Chad in central Africa to the southern Africa. The diet of the giraffe consists of leaves and twigs especially of the acacia and mimosa plants; it is known to consume large amounts of food at a time about (60 kg).
The giraffe is further classified in to several sub species based on their skin color and pattern like the Reticulated Giraffe, the Smoky Giraffe and the Nubian Giraffe. The Okapi is a mammal found in central Africa that resembles the Giraffe and has zebra like markings on its back legs.
The giraffe is the tallest land animal and can grow to a height of 5.5 meters (18 ft) and weigh 3000 pounds (1360 kg). Its habitat is the Sub Saharan region extending from Chad in central Africa to the southern Africa. The diet of the giraffe consists of leaves and twigs especially of the acacia and mimosa plants; it is known to consume large amounts of food at a time about (60 kg).
The giraffe is further classified in to several sub species based on their skin color and pattern like the Reticulated Giraffe, the Smoky Giraffe and the Nubian Giraffe. The Okapi is a mammal found in central Africa that resembles the Giraffe and has zebra like markings on its back legs.
