With a stride of 4.5 metres and the ability to move at 56 kilometres per hour, the world’s tallest mammal still can’t outrun its reality. Just less than a century ago, herds of up to 30 giraffes could be seen roaming the savannah. In recent years, the loss of their habitat has led to their decline. The decrease in acacia trees, their main source of food, is particularly detrimental.
As so many iconic animals are under threat and vying for conservation efforts, giraffes risk being ignored and misunderstood. Until recently, information about how giraffes communicate was mistaken. The animals were thought to be silent, when in fact they not only snort and grunt but communicate in low hums at night. Constant research is required to understand them. At the moment, scientists and conservationists are testing the ability to monitor the habits and movements of giraffes using GPS tracking devices. The more we know, the better equipped we are to protect them.
Up Next in Season 1
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Lions
Lions might be the rulers of the savannah, but even kings get lonely sometimes. These big cats are the only ones that live in large groups, and they’ve got good reason to do so. From keeping safe to forming hunting teams, lions get more done together. But even though they’re at the top of the foo...
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African Buffalo
Buffalos have a reputation as one of the most dangerous animals in the Big Five. They’re known for their fiery temperament and destructive horns, which they use with precision to fight for dominance and attack their enemies. But could these brutes have an Achilles heel?
Buffalos are susceptible t... -
Cheetahs: Fight for survival
It’s no secret that a cheetah’s superpower is its unbeatable speed. But did you know that this is also its downfall? Designed for agility, cheetahs can disappear into the distance at speeds up to 130 kilometres per hour. The naturally shy creatures will go to extreme lengths to avoid confrontatio...
