![]() For the first few weeks after a calf has been born, its mother will remain isolated with her young. Unfortunately, there has been documentation of calves becoming accidental casualties in instances where mother giraffes frantically kick and stomp while attempting to protect themselves and their young.Īfter a calf has been born, the mother giraffe promptly licks the calf clean and consumes the foetal membrane to mask the smell of the calf from hungry predators. Such defence is dangerous for both predators and giraffes. In scenarios in which a female and calf are ambushed, the giraffes have little hope of outrunning the predators, given the slower speed of the calf, so the adult female is forced to resort to kicking and stomping to protect the calf. Protecting their youngĭefence such as kicking and stomping is typically noted in female giraffes attempting to protect their calves. As it turns out, most herds of giraffes are considered to be small, but the ideal herd size for a giraffe is intermediate in size-around 40 individuals. Predators more easily detect large herds, and the individuals within this group have more competition for resources amongst themselves. Despite these benefits, a sizable herd also has its drawbacks. ![]() A large herd also may benefit giraffes in that predators could have difficulty singling out one individual to attack within the herd.įinally, an individual giraffe’s probability of being attacked by a predator is thought to decrease as the size of the herd increases. As herd size increases, so do the number of eyes watching out for predators. Given that giraffes are almost always found in herds, they receive several benefits from this living arrangement. This technique, however, has not been observed as a means of defence against predators. ![]() Rival male giraffes showcase one more technique that this species can use to defend themselves, as they are known to swing their heads and necks at one another during heated battles for females. While oxpeckers can be beneficial to giraffes, they can also be a detriment as they damage healing wounds and inflict new wounds. Giraffes often employ this behaviour to rid themselves of oxpeckers-birds that sustain themselves off food they obtain from large mammals’ bodies. Giraffes deliver an especially lethal kick with their hind legs, and several biologists have observed giraffes killing lions in this way.īucking is another defensive behaviour that has been noted in giraffes. When threatened, giraffes utilise their massive legs to stomp at predators or kick them. Luckily for giraffes, adults are well-suited to defend themselves from predator attacks. In this article, I look at how giraffes defend themselves and some of the predators they need to be aware of.ĭo giraffes have horns or antlers? The answer may surprise you. Calves are most likely to be attacked, but they camouflage themselves by lying in long grass. The hind legs are extremely powerful and can kill a lion in one blow. Despite their substantial size, a few predators have been known to attack giraffes in their native habitats of Africa.Īdult giraffes defend themselves against predators by using their legs to kick and stomp attackers. Giraffes are the tallest terrestrial animals in the world, making them difficult targets for any predator to subdue.
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